How Much Does a Cafe Manager Make? (2025)
A cafe manager manages an on-site company cafeteria. The role involves overseeing operations including ordering, inventory, meal planning, food preparation, and service, ensuring compliance with all food safety and sanitation regulations, and managing and training cafeteria staff.
They respond to customer needs and operational changes, review performance metrics, support the team, develop management strategies, and handle daily cafe activities. According to Salary.com, the national average salary for a cafe manager is $85,500 per year ($41 per hour).
Use this salary guide to learn more about cafe manager salary expectations, the highest-paying cities, and common questions about the role.
What is the Associate Cafe Manager's Salary?
As of November 2025, the average cafe manager salary in the United States is $85,500 per year or $41 per hour. The salary range for cafe managers is between $65,249 and $109,190, with most earnings of $74,900 to $97,900 per year.
The median cafe manager salary reflects a stable and competitive income for skilled cafe managers in this field.
2025 Average Salary for Cafe Manager: $85,500 per year ($41 per hour)
A cafe manager can expect an average monthly salary of $7,125, while the average weekly pay is $1,644. Moreover, the average hourly rate is $41, according to the recent Salary.com report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31 | $1,255 | $5,437 | $65,249 |
| 25th Percentile | $36 | $1,440 | $6,242 | $74,900 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $41 | $1,644 | $7,125 | $85,500 |
| 75th Percentile | $47 | $1,883 | $8,158 | $97,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $52 | $2,100 | $9,099 | $109,190 |
In addition to base pay, cafe managers often receive bonuses, which significantly boost their income. The average total compensation, including bonuses and benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, reaches $119,650 per year in the U.S., making this a financially rewarding career for those who qualify.
Cafe Manager Average Salaries State by State
Cafe manager salary differs across U.S. states and territories due to factors such as job demand, geographic location, cost of living, and local wage standards.
The table below shows the states and territories with the highest average pay for cafe manager salary: the District of Columbia ($94,600), California ($94,300), and Massachusetts ($93,000).
On the other hand, the states and territories with the lowest average salaries include Mississippi ($76,200), Arkansas ($77,200), and West Virginia ($77,000).
| State | Average Salary ($) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $78,500 |
| Alaska | $92,500 |
| Arizona | $83,300 |
| Arkansas | $77,200 |
| California | $94,300 |
| Colorado | $87,200 |
| Connecticut | $91,400 |
| Delaware | $86,600 |
| District of Columbia | $94,600 |
| Florida | $80,900 |
| Georgia | $82,500 |
| Hawaii | $89,300 |
| Idaho | $79,800 |
| Illinois | $87,100 |
| Indiana | $82,100 |
| Iowa | $81,800 |
| Kansas | $81,400 |
| Kentucky | $80,400 |
| Louisiana | $81,300 |
| Maine | $83,400 |
| Maryland | $88,100 |
| Massachusetts | $93,000 |
| Michigan | $84,200 |
| Minnesota | $87,500 |
| Mississippi | $76,200 |
| Missouri | $81,200 |
| Montana | $80,700 |
| Nebraska | $80,500 |
| Nevada | $84,600 |
| New Hampshire | $86,400 |
| New Jersey | $92,700 |
| New Mexico | $79,200 |
| New York | $90,900 |
| North Carolina | $81,200 |
| North Dakota | $84,400 |
| Ohio | $83,200 |
| Oklahoma | $79,000 |
| Oregon | $86,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,100 |
| Rhode Island | $88,600 |
| South Carolina | $80,100 |
| South Dakota | $77,700 |
| Tennessee | $79,900 |
| Texas | $83,400 |
| Utah | $81,900 |
| Vermont | $83,900 |
| Virginia | $86,100 |
| Washington | $92,700 |
| West Virginia | $77,000 |
| Wisconsin | $84,100 |
| Wyoming | $82,000 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Cafe Manager?
Cafe manager salary also varies by city, influenced by the cost of living, local demand, and industry rates in urban areas.
For example, cities in California such as San Jose and San Francisco offer higher average salary for cafe manager, at $107,800 and $106,800, respectively.
| City | State | Avg Pay ($) |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose | CA | $107,800 |
| San Francisco | CA | $106,800 |
| Oakland | CA | $104,400 |
| New York | NY | $99,100 |
| Queens Village | NY | $98,400 |
| Paramus | NJ | $97,700 |
Candidates looking to find high-paying cafe manager roles often target these cities.
How Does Experience Affect Cafe Manager?
Cafe manager salary grows with experience. Salary.com reports that entry-level executives earn about $81,407 per year, while those with over 8 years of experience average $88,521 per year.
| Level | Average Pay ($) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cafe Manager | $81,407 |
| Intermediate Level Cafe Manager | $81,887 |
| Senior Level Cafe Manager | $83,484 |
| Specialist Level Cafe Manager | $85,400 |
| Expert Level Cafe Manager | $88,521 |
How to Increase Salary as a Cafe Manager?
If you're working as a cafe manager and looking to boost your income, there are several strategic ways to advance your career and increase your earning potential. Insights from job ads highlight the importance of specialized skills in driving higher offers.
Cafe Manager Advancements
- Develop High-Demand Skills: Focus on strengthening essential skills such as Point of Sale, Forecasting, Promotion, Menu Planning, Culinary Arts, and Inventory Control. These skills are highly sought after and can make you more valuable to your employer, increasing your chances of a salary boost.
- Pursue Career Advancement: Seek opportunities to move into senior or managerial roles within cafe management. Taking on more responsibility and leadership positions often comes with better compensation and benefits.
- Invest in Education and Training: Improve your expertise by gaining certifications or additional training in areas like menu planning and inventory control. Upskilling shows your commitment to professional growth and can open doors to higher-paying job opportunities.
Cafe Manager Skills
Cafe managers with specialized skills can increase their pay. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, Point of Sale skills can boost salaries by +9.59%, while Forecasting skills add +9.23%. Job ads frequently emphasize these competencies when offering above-median salary packages.
| Skill | Demand (%) | Salary Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Promotion | 10.6% | 9.69% |
| Inventory Control | 10.4% | 9.63% |
| Point of Sale | 10.8% | 9.59% |
| Menu Planning | 10.5% | 9.35% |
| Culinary Arts | 10.4% | 9.28% |
| Forecasting | 10.7% | 9.23% |
What are the FAQs About Cafe Manager Salaries?
Here are some common questions about cafe manager salary:
How much do most cafes pay?
Most cafe managers earn between $74,900 and $97,900 per year, with the median salary around $85,500. This range accounts for differences in experience, responsibilities, and the size of the establishment. Using the average salary for a Cafe Manager can provide a helpful reference point when evaluating compensation in this role.
Which restaurant job pays the most?
Within the restaurant industry, the Cafe Manager role offers strong earning potential, with salaries ranging from $65,249 at the lower end to $109,190 at the high end, and a median around $85,500. While positions such as Executive Chef or Restaurant Owner can offer an even higher salary, Cafe Managers still enjoy a competitive and stable compensation level within the sector.
What does the cafe manager do?
Manages and monitors cafe operations to build and maintain optimal performance.
- Oversees cafe policies, objectives, and initiatives
- Ensures consistent management strategies
- Develops strategic cafe goals
- Approves departmental policies
- Leads the cafe management within the corporate structure
