HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Restaurant Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$81,548/yr
Typical range: $82,072 – $97,304
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Restaurant Manager salary by experience level in Chicago
Restaurant Manager Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $48,929 | $4,077 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $58,443 | $4,870 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $64,786 | $5,399 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $70,675 | $5,890 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $81,548 | $6,796 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $89,703 | $7,475 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $91,742 | $7,645 | +88% |
Current Salary
$81,548
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $39/hr
Next Level Target
$89,703
Principal · 14
+$8Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Restaurant Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Restaurant Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $82K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Restaurant Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $82K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $39/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Restaurant Manager in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Restaurant Manager in Chicago, IL earns $82K–$97K/yr.