Summary: Restaurant managers plan and direct the activities of places that serve food and beverages.

Restaurant managers have different duties depending on where they work. In most restaurants and food service facilities, the manager is assisted by one or more assistants. In large facilities, there is also an executive chef. The chef is responsible for the operation of the kitchen. The assistant managers oversee service in the dining room. In small restaurants, the executive chef may also be the manager. In fast food restaurants and other places open for long hours, there is often an assistant manager to oversee each shift.

Wages:

	Total Employed	Average Hourly Wage	Average Annual Wage
National	287,940	$14.92	$31,020

Nationally, half of all people employed in this group earn between $24,180 and $39,820 each year.

Outlook:

Nationally, the number of jobs for food service and lodging managers is expected to increase about as fast as the average through the year 2008.

Preparations:

Some restaurant managers are promoted from within the company. However, most restaurant managers go through formal training programs. More than 150 colleges and universities offer four-year programs in restaurant and hotel management or food service management. Graduates receive a bachelor's degree. In addition, over 800 community and junior colleges or technical schools offer programs in these fields. Graduates receive an associate degree or other certification. Both types of programs offer classes in nutrition and food planning and preparation. They also offer classes in accounting, business management, and computer science. Some programs combine classroom study with experience in a restaurant setting.

Related Educational Programs

Foods and Nutrition Studies (See: Dietetics Programs)
Dietician Assistant (See: Dietetics Programs)
Culinary Arts and Related Services (See: Food Service)
Institutional Food Workers and Administrators, Other (See: Food Service)
Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Management (See: Hospitality Management)
Hospitality Services Management, Other (See: Hospitality Management)