Hospitality & Tourism Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Restaurant Manager Salary in Wisconsin

The median restaurant manager salary in Wisconsin is $57,040 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$57,040
vs National
$-4,960
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Restaurant Manager Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for restaurant manager compensation. Restaurant Manager salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,040 per year, restaurant managers in Wisconsin earn $4,960 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $57,040 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: restaurant managers at the 10th percentile earn $34,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,160 — a $55,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $62,000.

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for restaurant managers across the country.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,640 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,880
$-5,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,640
$-7,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $34,960
25th Percentile $44,160
Median (50th) $57,040
75th Percentile $73,600
90th Percentile $90,160

Restaurant Manager Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for restaurant managers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Wisconsin

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Wisconsin is $57,040 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $90,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,040, a restaurant manager in Wisconsin earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for restaurant managers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for restaurant manager pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level restaurant managers earn $36,800, while senior professionals earn $84,640.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for restaurant manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for restaurant managers is Hawaii at $105,400. Wisconsin's median of $57,040 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($57,040) and Texas ($57,040).
What is the entry-level restaurant manager salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level restaurant manager in Wisconsin earns approximately $36,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,640.
What city in Wisconsin pays restaurant managers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for restaurant managers, with a median salary of $62,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.