Emergency Management Directors vs Food Service Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Emergency Management Directors professionals earn $20,820 more per year than Food Service Managers professionals — that's 31.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Emergency Management Directors earns $160,420 compared to $105,420 for Food Service Managers.
Salary Range Comparison
Emergency Management Directors$51,260 – $160,420
Food Service Managers$42,380 – $105,420
$42,380$160,420
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Emergency Management Directors | Food Service Managers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,260 | $42,380 | +$8,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,470 | $53,090 | +$11,380 |
| Median (50th) | $86,130 | $65,310 | +$20,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,690 | $82,300 | +$37,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,420 | $105,420 | +$55,000 |
| Mean (Average) | $97,700 | $72,370 | +$25,330 |
Employment Numbers
Emergency Management Directors
12,570
employed nationwide
Food Service Managers
244,230
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Emergency Management Directors
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $156,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $153,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $139,630 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $138,970 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $128,860 |
Best Cities for Food Service Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $95,540 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $86,840 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $84,180 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $82,570 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $82,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Emergency Management Directors or Food Service Managers?
Emergency Management Directors professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $20,820 (31.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Emergency Management Directors?
Emergency Management Directors salaries range from $51,260 (10th percentile) to $160,420 (90th percentile), with a median of $86,130.
What is the salary range for Food Service Managers?
Food Service Managers salaries range from $42,380 (10th percentile) to $105,420 (90th percentile), with a median of $65,310.
How many Emergency Management Directors and Food Service Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 12,570 Emergency Management Directors positions and 244,230 Food Service Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Food Service Managers to Emergency Management Directors?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Emergency Management Directors has a median salary of $86,130 while Food Service Managers earns $65,310. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS