How to become a Cafe or Restaurant Manager

Also called: Food and Beverage Manager

Organises and controls the operations of a cafe, restaurant or related establishment to provide dining or takeaway services.

Main tasks

• Plans and coordinates the daily operations of a cafe, restaurant or related establishment
• Manages and supervises staff, including hiring, training and performance evaluation
• Oversees the preparation and presentation of food and beverages to ensure quality and customer satisfaction
• Monitors inventory levels and orders supplies as needed
• Manages budgets and financial transactions, including cash handling and reporting
• Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations and food hygiene standards
• Collaborates with suppliers and vendors to negotiate contracts and ensure timely delivery of goods and services

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT60322); Certificate IV in Catering Management (SIT40621); Certificate IV in Hospitality (SIT40422); Advanced Diploma of Event Management (SIT60222); Certificate III in Catering (SIT30921); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622); Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House) (SIT30722)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $85,488 a year
• About 64,500 people work in this job group now, and about 69,100 are projected by 2035. (+7.2%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Catering Manager
• Hosted Accommodation Operator
• Accommodation Service Manager
• Amusement Centre Manager
• Betting Agency Manager
• Cinema or Theatre Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Cafe or Restaurant Manager?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management; Certificate IV in Catering Management.

How much does a Cafe or Restaurant Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $85,488 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Cafe or Restaurant Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 64,500 to about 69,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Cafe or Restaurant Manager?

Not always. 28% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management; Certificate IV in Catering Management.

Will AI change the work of a Cafe or Restaurant Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04