Food Service Managers vs Lodging Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Lodging Managers professionals earn $2,820 more per year than Food Service Managers professionals — that's 4.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Food Service Managers earns $105,420 compared to $126,990 for Lodging Managers.
Salary Range Comparison
Food Service Managers$42,380 – $105,420
Lodging Managers$39,490 – $126,990
$39,490$126,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Food Service Managers | Lodging Managers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $42,380 | $39,490 | +$2,890 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,090 | $50,040 | +$3,050 |
| Median (50th) | $65,310 | $68,130 | $-2,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,300 | $90,670 | $-8,370 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,420 | $126,990 | $-21,570 |
| Mean (Average) | $72,370 | $77,460 | $-5,090 |
Employment Numbers
Food Service Managers
244,230
employed nationwide
Lodging Managers
41,350
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Lodging Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $103,250 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $97,740 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $96,060 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $93,940 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $93,550 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Food Service Managers or Lodging Managers?
Lodging Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $2,820 (4.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Lodging Managers?
Lodging Managers salaries range from $39,490 (10th percentile) to $126,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $68,130.
How many Food Service Managers and Lodging Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 244,230 Food Service Managers positions and 41,350 Lodging Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Lodging Managers to Food Service Managers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Food Service Managers has a median salary of $65,310 while Lodging Managers earns $68,130. 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