Survey Results: Pay Rates by Geographic Region

Pay rates vary from one geographical region to another. Cost of living, state minimum wage laws, and other factors have a significant impact on pay scales for various jobs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey semiannually. Wage estimates are calculated from the data collected and and reported by industry, including the foodservice industry. The results are available to the public by going online to http://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htm.

Our survey, however, was limited to RestaurantOwner.com members, which are primarily independent restaurateurs. Unlike the OES survey, one of the questions we asked operators to answer is what they pay in terms of salary and hourly wages before tip income for the following positions:

• Annual Salaries - General Manager, Chef/Kitchen Manager, Asst. Manager, Bookkeeper, Catering Director

• Hourly Wages - Waitstaff, Host, Bartender, Barback, Busser, Cashier, Line Server, Delivery, Sous Chef, Line Cook, Prep/Pantry, Dishwasher

We separated the pay rate results by geographical region. Simply click on the region to view responses.

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