For anyone passionate about a high-energy work environment, team camaraderie, and, of course, wings and sports, a career at Buffalo Wild Wings can be a rewarding path. As one of the most recognizable casual dining brands in the country, it offers a wide spectrum of job opportunities, from your first part-time job to a six-figure career in restaurant management. But what can you expect to earn?
This guide breaks down the salary potential at Buffalo Wild Wings, exploring average pay for key roles and the critical factors that will influence your compensation. While a server might start with a tipped wage, a seasoned General Manager can earn a salary well over $70,000, showcasing a clear path for career and income growth within the company.
What Do You Do at Buffalo Wild Wings? A Look at Key Roles
Buffalo Wild Wings, often called "B-Dubs," is a fast-paced restaurant and sports bar. A position here is more than just a job; it's about creating a fun and engaging experience for guests. Responsibilities vary significantly by role:
- Front of House (FOH): These are the guest-facing roles. Servers and Bartenders take orders, deliver food and drinks, process payments, and ensure guests have an exceptional experience. Hosts manage seating, greet guests, and maintain the flow of the dining room.
- Heart of House (HOH): This is the kitchen team. Line Cooks and Prep Cooks are responsible for preparing all the menu items to brand standards, from wings and sauces to burgers and appetizers. They are the engine of the restaurant.
- Management: Shift Leaders, Assistant General Managers, and General Managers oversee all restaurant operations. Their duties include scheduling, inventory management, hiring and training staff, ensuring profitability, and maintaining high standards for food quality and customer service.
Average Salaries at Buffalo Wild Wings
Salaries at Buffalo Wild Wings are highly dependent on the specific role, location, and experience level. It's important to distinguish between tipped positions, hourly roles, and salaried management.
Here’s a breakdown of typical pay ranges for common positions, based on aggregated data from leading salary reporting platforms.
- Server: The base pay for servers is often at or near the state's minimum tipped wage. However, with tips, total earnings can vary dramatically. Payscale reports an average total pay of $14.88 per hour including tips, but this can easily reach over $20-$25 per hour during busy shifts at high-volume locations.
- Bartender: Bartenders often have slightly higher base pay and tip potential than servers. Salary.com places the median hourly earnings for a bartender in the U.S. at around $12 per hour before tips, with total compensation often exceeding that of servers due to higher-value drink orders.
- Line Cook: As a non-tipped, skills-based role, cooks earn a straight hourly wage. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Cook at Buffalo Wild Wings is between $15 and $19 per hour, with an average of around $16 per hour (as of late 2023).
- General Manager (GM): This is the top salaried position within a restaurant. The compensation reflects the high level of responsibility. Salary.com reports that the average salary for a Buffalo Wild Wings General Manager is $68,963 per year, with a typical range falling between $62,564 and $76,966. Top-performing GMs in major markets can earn significantly more, including bonuses.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your paycheck at Buffalo Wild Wings isn't determined by a single number. Several key factors work together to shape your earning potential.
### Level of Education
For most hourly positions like server, host, or cook, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically sufficient. Formal education is less of a factor than hands-on skill and a positive attitude. However, for management tracks, a higher level of education can be a significant advantage. A bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field can make you a more competitive candidate for Assistant and General Manager positions and may lead to a higher starting salary.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most powerful drivers of salary growth in the restaurant industry.
- Entry-Level: An employee with no prior restaurant experience will likely start at the base pay rate for their position.
- Experienced Staff: A cook with several years of experience on the line can command a higher hourly wage than a new hire. Likewise, a server with a proven track record of high sales and excellent service may earn more in tips and be first in line for promotion to a Shift Leader or corporate trainer.
- Management: For General Managers, years of experience directly correlate with salary. A GM with a decade of experience successfully managing high-volume restaurants is a valuable asset and will be compensated accordingly, often with substantial performance-based bonuses.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. A B-Dubs in New York City will have a different pay scale than one in Omaha, Nebraska. This is due to two main factors:
1. Cost of Living: Salaries are generally higher in major metropolitan areas to offset the higher costs of housing, transportation, and daily living.
2. State and Local Laws: The minimum wage for both tipped and non-tipped employees varies by state. For example, states like California and Washington have higher minimum wages than the federal standard, directly boosting the base pay for all hourly employees.
### Company Type
Buffalo Wild Wings operates both corporate-owned restaurants and locations owned by franchisees. While brand standards are consistent, compensation structures and benefits can differ. Corporate locations may offer a more standardized pay scale and benefits package (like 401(k) plans or broader health insurance options). Franchisees, as independent business owners, set their own pay rates and benefits, which can be more or less generous depending on the specific ownership group. When applying, it can be useful to know if the location is corporate or franchise-owned.
### Area of Specialization
Within the restaurant, your specific job role is the primary determinant of your base pay. This "specialization" is critical. A General Manager’s salary is based on their leadership, financial acumen, and operational skills. A cook's wage is based on their culinary skill and speed. A bartender's earnings are tied to their mixology knowledge, efficiency, and salesmanship. Moving from a general role like a Host to a skilled role like a Bartender or from a Line Cook to a Shift Leader is the most direct way to increase your specialization and, therefore, your income.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for restaurant staff is directly tied to the health of the food service industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for "Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers" is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This indicates strong and sustained demand for roles like servers, cooks, and bartenders.
For those on a management track, the BLS projects that employment for "Food Service Managers" will grow 10 percent over the same period, also much faster than average. The BLS notes that candidates with a degree in hospitality or restaurant management will have the best opportunities. This positive outlook suggests that skills and experience gained at a company like Buffalo Wild Wings are highly transferable and in demand across the industry.
Conclusion
Working at Buffalo Wild Wings offers a dynamic career path with clear potential for financial growth. While your starting pay will depend on your role and location, the real opportunity lies in advancement.
Key Takeaways:
- Pay is role-dependent: Management careers offer substantial salaried income, while tipped roles provide earnings based on performance and service quality.
- Experience is your biggest asset: The most effective way to increase your earnings is by building your skills and moving into roles with more responsibility.
- Location matters: Be aware of your local cost of living and minimum wage laws, as they directly impact your take-home pay.
- The future is bright: The restaurant industry is projected to grow, ensuring that the skills you develop will remain valuable for years to come.
Whether you're looking for a flexible part-time job or aiming to build a long-term career in restaurant management, Buffalo Wild Wings provides a solid foundation with competitive earning potential.