Buffalo Wild Wings offers a range of pay rates for its employees. These rates vary by role, location, and experience. Hourly wages often start low for entry-level jobs but can increase with tips and promotions.
Entry-Level Positions
Cashiers and hosts earn around $10 to $13 per hour. Servers rely on tips, boosting base pay of $2.13 to $5 per hour to $12 to $20 total. Kitchen staff like cooks make $13.60 to $19 per hour. These figures come from job sites tracking real employee reports.
Pay differs by state. In Texas, averages sit at $15.91 per hour overall. Higher-cost areas like California see up to $21 per hour for top earners.
Management Roles
Shift leaders earn about $16.77 per hour. Department managers get $22.23 per hour. General managers average $20.43 per hour, though annual salaries can reach $48,000 to $60,000. Assistant general managers in some spots make up to $63,798 yearly.
Multi-unit managers top out near $102,000 annually in Texas. These roles often include bonuses tied to restaurant performance.
National Averages
The U.S. average hourly pay at Buffalo Wild Wings is $17.07. This equals about $35,512 yearly. The range spans $30,000 at the 25th percentile to $50,000 for top earners. PayScale reports a slightly lower $14.18 average.
Factors like minimum wage laws affect this. Urban areas pay more than rural ones.
Benefits and Tips
Servers and bartenders benefit most from tips. Total earnings often double base pay during busy shifts. Health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off apply to full-time staff.
Franchise ownership differs. It requires investment but can yield high returns, though not employee pay.
Location Variations
In Houston, servers average $22,871 yearly. Louisiana roles go from $26,000 for cashiers to $74,342 for regional managers. Charlotte, NC, sees $10.57 to $16.43 per hour.
High-paying cities include San Francisco at $20.11 hourly and Nome, AK, at $21.18. Lower states rank Texas at the bottom nationally.
Factors Affecting Pay
Experience boosts wages. New hires start low, but tenure adds raises. Peak hours and events increase tips.
Company policy sets base rates near minimum wage for tipped roles. Unions or local laws can raise them.
Career Growth
Promotions from server to trainer or manager happen fast. Certified trainers earn $20,000 yearly base, more with tips. Partnership managers reach $122,573.
Training programs help. Hard work leads to higher pay bands.
Comparison to Industry
Buffalo Wild Wings pays competitively in casual dining. Wingstop or Chili’s offer similar rates. Fast growth opportunities set it apart.
FAQs
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What is the starting pay at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Entry-level jobs like cashier or host start at $10 to $13 per hour. Servers begin at tipped minimums around $2 to $5 plus tips.
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How much do servers make including tips?
Servers average $12 to $20 per hour total. Busy nights can push it higher.
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What do managers earn at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Shift leaders get $16.77 hourly. General managers average $20.43 per hour or $48,000 yearly.
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Does pay vary by location?
Yes. California pays up to $21 hourly. Texas averages $15.91.
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Are there benefits besides pay?
Full-time employees get health insurance, 401(k), and PTO. Tips add significant income for front-of-house roles.