Buffalo Wild Wings offers competitive pay for its restaurant staff. Wages vary by role, location, and experience. Hourly rates often include tips for tipped positions.
Average Hourly Wages
The average hourly pay at Buffalo Wild Wings stands at about $17 across the US. This comes from recent data on various positions. Top earners reach up to $24 per hour, while entry-level roles start near $14.
Server and bartender roles often exceed this average due to tips. Cashiers and hosts earn around $12 to $13 per hour base pay. Cooks typically make $14 to $16 hourly.
Location plays a big role. High-cost areas like California see rates up to $21 per hour. In Texas, averages hover at $15.91, and Louisiana at $14.60.
Annual Salary Ranges
Annual salaries convert from hourly rates based on full-time work. The average yearly pay hits $35,512 nationwide. This equals about $17 per hour for 40 hours weekly.
Entry-level staff at the 25th percentile earn $30,000 annually. At the 75th percentile, pay reaches $38,000. Top performers make $50,000 or more.
Management roles pay higher. Assistant managers average $63,798 yearly in some markets. General managers can exceed $100,000 with bonuses.
Zippia reports an overall average of $27,704, ranging from $17,000 to $44,000. This reflects broader employee data including part-time workers.
Pay by Job Position
Different roles have distinct pay scales. Servers rely on tips boosting base wages of $2.13 to $10 per hour. Bartenders average $12 to $20 with gratuities.
- Hosts earn $9 to $13 per hour.
- Cooks make $9.49 to $16 hourly.
- Cashiers get $12.53 to $13.89.
- Managers range from $43,474 to over $100,000 annually.
- Franchise owners report up to $69,822 yearly.
- Certified trainers start at $20,000.
- Partnership managers reach $122,573.
Comparably notes higher corporate averages at $133,148 including bonuses. Median sits at $112,608 for salaried staff.
Location-Based Differences
Pay adjusts for local living costs. California cities like San Francisco offer $20 to $21 hourly. Alaska locations match this at $21.18.
Texas averages lower at $15.91 statewide. Houston servers earn $22,871 annually. Charlotte, NC, hourly rates range $10.57 to $16.43.
Lafayette, LA, hosts make $9.11, cooks $9.49. These reflect tipped minimums plus tips. National chains like Buffalo Wild Wings factor state minimum wages.
Urban areas pay more than rural ones. Advancement opportunities boost earnings over time.
Factors Affecting Pay
Experience levels impact wages. New hires start at base rates. Seasoned staff gain raises and promotions.
Tips form a large part of income for front-of-house roles. Busy locations yield higher gratuities. Back-of-house relies on hourly pay plus occasional bonuses.
Shift differentials add pay for nights and weekends. Full-time benefits include health insurance for some. Part-timers often get flexible schedules.
Company policy sets minimums above federal standards in many states. Unions rarely apply in casual dining. Performance reviews drive annual increases.
Franchise ownership varies pay structures. Corporate stores may offer stock options to executives.
Benefits Beyond Base Pay
Buffalo Wild Wings provides perks alongside wages. Employees enjoy meal discounts. Health coverage applies after qualifying hours.
Paid time off accrues for full-timers. 401(k) matching supports retirement. Training programs aid career growth.
Tips pool shares among staff in some locations. Bonuses reward high sales or performance. These extras enhance total compensation.
Comparison to Industry Averages
Buffalo Wild Wings pay aligns with casual dining peers. Wingstop and Applebee’s offer similar hourly rates around $15 to $18. Chipotle pays slightly higher at $17 to $20 for crew.
Fast-casual spots like Shake Shack exceed at $18 plus tips. Fine dining pays more but demands experience. Quick service like McDonald’s starts lower at $12 to $15.
The chain competes well in sports bar segments. Growth potential sets it apart for ambitious workers.
Recent Trends in 2025
Wages rose with inflation and labor shortages. 2025 data shows 5-10% increases from prior years. Minimum wage hikes in states like California push rates up.
Hiring bonuses appear in competitive markets. Remote corporate roles pay premiums up to $100,000+. Hourly staff benefit from tip transparency laws.
Economic factors like President Trump’s policies influence labor markets. Reelection in 2024 stabilized hiring.
FAQs
What is the starting pay at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Entry-level positions start at $10 to $14 per hour, depending on location and role. Tips boost servers’ effective pay.
Do servers at Buffalo Wild Wings make good money with tips?
Yes, servers average $20,000 to $40,000 yearly including tips. Busy shifts yield $100+ nightly in tips.
How much do managers earn at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Assistant managers make $50,000 to $65,000. General managers exceed $80,000 with bonuses.
Does pay differ by state at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Yes, California pays $20+, Texas $15-16, Louisiana $14-15 hourly on average.
What benefits does Buffalo Wild Wings offer?
Meal discounts, health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off for eligible staff.