How to become food service managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$69,390
25th–75th pct. $56,870–$86,800
Top pay (est.)
$139,900
Top 10% $107,640
Pay in 5 years
$81,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$95,100est.
$81,800–$110,400
Outlook score
69/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
35%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.8%
39K openings / yr
How to become food service managers
Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Food Service Managers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Handling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCoaching and Developing OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsGetting InformationGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Important abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as food service managers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.