Food Service Managers
Food service managers plan and direct the operations of food and beverage services in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and other establishments. They oversee staff, manage budgets, ensure quality standards, and coordinate daily activities to keep food service running smoothly. These managers work in kitchens, dining areas, and administrative offices across the country.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food service managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A food service manager's week involves scheduling staff, monitoring food preparation and plating, handling customer complaints, and managing inventory and costs. Managers conduct kitchen inspections, review financial reports, train employees on procedures, and adjust operations based on customer traffic and seasonal demand. Work often includes evening and weekend shifts, particularly during busy service times.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you're organized, enjoy solving operational problems, and like managing people and systems. You're comfortable with clear procedures and rules, and you're motivated by getting tangible results—whether that's controlling costs, improving efficiency, or building a reliable team.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $79,410 | $95,190 | $111,050 | 1,180 |
| Massachusetts | $73,430 | $92,240 | $102,920 | 4,310 |
| Hawaii | $61,660 | $87,800 | $104,570 | 1,230 |
| New York | $72,420 | $84,200 | $104,800 | 8,000 |
| Rhode Island | $63,470 | $82,850 | $95,260 | 760 |
| Alaska | $63,390 | $82,030 | $105,530 | 380 |
| District of Columbia | $74,250 | $81,680 | $105,760 | 1,000 |
| Colorado | $68,750 | $79,870 | $99,480 | 2,440 |
| Minnesota | $64,320 | $79,820 | $95,190 | 730 |
| California | $60,040 | $78,260 | $100,190 | 33,180 |
| New Jersey | $62,810 | $78,020 | $101,070 | 6,360 |
| Connecticut | $62,400 | $77,990 | $92,100 | 1,520 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Food Service Manager (FSM) — eLuminate
- Long Term Care Food Service Manager (LTC-FSM) — eLuminate
- Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) — National Environmental Health Association
- Certified Food Manager (CFM) — International Food Service Executives Association
- Certified Food Executive (CFE) — International Food Service Executives Association
- Master Certified Food Executive (MCFE) — International Food Service Executives Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 24 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food service managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-9051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.