Which Position in a Restaurant Pays the Most: An In-depth Analysis

When considering different career paths in the restaurant industry, the highest-paying positions often gravitate toward culinary experts and leadership roles. Understanding the typical salary ranges and the required qualifications of these jobs can help you make an informed career choice.

High-Paying Positions in a Restaurant

In a restaurant setting, the culinary leadership, such as an Executive Chef or Head Chef, is the role that typically pays the most. This position involves overseeing kitchen staff, menu creation, and overall kitchen operations, and often comes with significant experience and culinary expertise as prerequisites.

General Manager

The General Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant, including finances, staffing, and customer service. This role requires a wide range of skills and experience, making it another high-paying position in the industry.

Sous Chef

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, assisting the Executive Chef and taking over in their absence. While this position is crucial, it still commands a significant salary compared to other roles in the kitchen.

Restaurant Owner

If you own the restaurant, your income can vary widely based on the restaurant's success. Owning a restaurant often involves taking on various managerial and operational tasks, including marketing, financial management, and customer service. The possibility of substantial income makes this a high-paying position, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and risks.

Salary Ranges and Factors Influencing Pay

According to a study of 1,900 restaurant employees, the average salary for cooks is over $16/hour. Servers can earn anywhere from under $5/hour to over $16/hour, depending on the location and the restaurant's success. In contrast, hosts and dishwashers are among the least paid positions, often alongside some servers.

Experiential Pathways to High-Paying Positions

Experience is a critical component in advancing your career in the restaurant industry. Typically, you would start as a host or dishwasher before progressing to a server or bartender. These roles serve as '101 courses' and provide the foundation for a successful career. For example, a good server has demonstrated the ability to handle multiple tasks, interact with the public, and understand menu knowledge and basic food and service principles. However, many of these FOH (Front of House) roles generally do not yield the highest income, except for bartenders and servers with significant experience.

Back of House (BOH) Advancement

Back of House (BOH) positions such as line cooks, prep cooks, and other kitchen staff can offer higher salaries, particularly those with valuable skills such as knife handling, quick prep techniques, and portion control. For instance, as a server or bartender, you might need to prove that you can handle alcohol responsibly, including ID verification and mixology basics. For a chef, you would need to demonstrate a range of practical skills that are specifically required in the kitchen.

Opportunities for Former Convicts

Many restaurants are open to hiring individuals with a criminal record. For example, at an award-winning restaurant, there was a specific effort to hire guests from halfway houses and those on work release. However, this depends on the nature of the offense. A felony for sexual misconduct might warrant an explanation, but a few DUIs generally won't be a hindrance. In the kitchen, a person might start from dish or prep and move up in the ranks as they gain more experience and demonstrate necessary skills.

Conclusion

The restaurant industry offers a range of roles with varying pay scales. If your goal is to achieve the highest pay, focusing on cooking and leadership roles is key. Experience is also critical, and you should be prepared to start in entry-level positions to eventually work your way up to higher-paying roles. Whether you aspire to be a chef, a manager, or an owner, remember that persistence and a strong work ethic can be your greatest assets in this rewarding yet challenging industry.