Hospitality & Food

How to become a Restaurant Manager

From server or shift lead: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–5 years

Typical pay

$52k–$72k

Starting from

Server or shift lead

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from server or shift lead and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–4 years

   Come up through the floor or the kitchen

   Either side works; you need to have done the shifts.

2. 2

   Get ServSafe Manager

   Non-negotiable for the person responsible during service.

   ◆ ServSafe Manager

   Course that covers thisServSafe Exam Prep: Reviewer and Mock Exams | Review CentralUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   Learn labour and food cost control

   The two numbers you will be judged on every week.

   Course that covers thisHotel Management - Foundation Course for Hotel ManagersUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   1–2 years

   Run a shift, then the building

   Assistant manager is the proving ground.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Restaurant Manager

   Browse jobs now →

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