Hospitality & Tourism Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Restaurant Manager Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median restaurant manager salary in Milwaukee, WI is $57,040 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$57,040
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,960
Cost of Living
92%

Restaurant Manager Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median restaurant manager salary of $57,040, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $57,040. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Milwaukee spans from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $90,160 at the 90th percentile — a $55,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,640. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,640 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

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

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$62,000
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$55,800
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$54,560
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$53,320
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Milwaukee

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Milwaukee and the surrounding Wisconsin area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Milwaukee may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Milwaukee, WI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,040, a restaurant manager in Milwaukee earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median restaurant manager salary of $57,040 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $57,040. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $57,040 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Milwaukee? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Milwaukee require a high school diploma. Key skills include Food Service Management, Staff Supervision, Cost Control, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.