The median annual wage of food service managers was $48,130 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,480, and the top 10 percent earned more than $80,410.
In May 2010, the median annual wages in industries employing the largest numbers of food service managers were as follows:
| Traveler accommodation | $55,010 |
| Special food services | 52,890 |
| Full-service restaurants | 51,210 |
| Elementary and secondary schools | 46,810 |
| Limited-service eating places | 43,080 |
Most food service managers work full time. Managers at fine-dining and fast-food restaurants that operate extended hours often work longer hours—12 to 15 per day, 50 or more per week—and sometimes 7 days a week. Managers of institutional food service facilities in schools, factories, or office buildings tend to work more regular hours. Those who oversee multiple locations of a chain or franchise may be called in on short notice, including on nights and weekends.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition