Buffalo Wild Wings, a popular American casual dining restaurant chain known for its chicken wings and sports bar atmosphere, is a major employer in the foodservice industry. As of 2025, the salary structure at Buffalo Wild Wings continues to be influenced by various factors including job role, experience, location, and market trends. This article explores Buffalo Wild Wings salaries in 2025, factors that influence earnings, and trends in the job market. Additionally, we’ll take a look at the benefits and job outlook for employees, especially those in managerial roles or positions like coaches, whose compensation plays a key role in the success of the brand.
Average Salary Range at Buffalo Wild Wings in 2025
The salary at Buffalo Wild Wings varies depending on the role, experience, and location. Here’s an overview of the typical salary ranges for key positions in the company:
- Line Cook / Kitchen Staff: $25,000 – $35,000 per year
- Server / Bartender: $20,000 – $45,000 per year (this includes base pay plus tips)
- Shift Leader: $30,000 – $45,000 per year
- Assistant Manager: $45,000 – $55,000 per year
- General Manager: $55,000 – $75,000 per year
- Restaurant Coach (Managerial role): $50,000 – $80,000 per year
It’s important to note that the salary ranges provided above are estimates and can vary depending on several factors, which we’ll explore in detail in the next section.
Factors Influencing Salary at Buffalo Wild Wings
Several key factors influence the salary employees earn at Buffalo Wild Wings in 2025:
1. Location
- Urban vs. Rural: Employees working in urban areas or large cities tend to earn higher salaries due to the higher cost of living. For example, a manager in New York City can expect a higher salary compared to a manager in a small town.
- State-Specific Factors: Certain states have higher minimum wage laws, which can directly impact the salary employees at Buffalo Wild Wings receive. For instance, California, Washington, and New York often offer higher base wages than other states.
2. Role and Responsibilities
- Entry-Level Jobs: Positions like cooks, servers, and cashiers typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum. These positions can be highly flexible, and employees may earn tips in addition to their hourly pay, significantly influencing their total earnings.
- Managerial Roles: Managers, particularly those at the restaurant coach or general manager level, have more significant responsibilities, such as overseeing staff, ensuring smooth operations, and maintaining customer satisfaction. As a result, these positions typically come with higher salaries.
3. Experience
- Entry-Level Employees: New hires can expect to start at the lower end of the salary range, especially for roles like servers or cooks. However, tips and bonuses can make the total compensation more attractive.
- Mid-Level Employees: Employees with 3–5 years of experience, particularly in supervisory or management positions, can expect to earn in the mid-range of the salary spectrum.
- Senior Employees / Managers: Individuals with over 5–10 years of experience, particularly those in general management or coach roles, are positioned to earn the highest salaries. Their wealth of experience and leadership skills directly contribute to operational success, allowing them to command top compensation.
4. Education and Certifications
- While higher education is not always a requirement in the restaurant industry, completing formal programs in business management, hospitality, or culinary arts can help boost a candidate’s earning potential.
- Certifications: Specialized certifications, such as those in food safety, management, or team leadership, can improve job prospects and salary expectations. For instance, a restaurant coach or manager with certifications in leadership or foodservice management may be more likely to secure higher-paying positions.
Job Market Trends in 2025
Continued Demand for Foodservice Managers
As of 2025, the foodservice industry is expected to continue its steady growth. Buffalo Wild Wings is no exception. There is increasing demand for skilled managers and leaders in the restaurant sector, especially those who can oversee multiple locations or handle high volumes of business. Restaurant coaches, who are responsible for managing day-to-day operations, employee performance, and customer satisfaction, will continue to be in high demand.
Focus on Quality Service and Efficiency
With rising competition in the casual dining sector, Buffalo Wild Wings has increasingly focused on providing high-quality service and improving operational efficiency. Managers and restaurant coaches will need to adapt to technological advancements and evolving customer preferences, which will influence hiring decisions and salaries.
Labor Shortages and Competitive Pay
Due to labor shortages in the foodservice industry, Buffalo Wild Wings and similar chains are offering higher wages, benefits, and bonuses to attract and retain employees. This trend has led to an increase in base pay, particularly in roles like cooks, servers, and managers. The increase in hourly wages and salary ranges reflects the competitive nature of the job market in 2025.
Benefits and Perks for Buffalo Wild Wings Employees
In addition to salaries, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a range of benefits that enhance employee compensation and job satisfaction:
1. Health and Wellness Benefits
- Employees may receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, often with company contributions to premiums. These benefits are particularly important for full-time employees and managers.
2. Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay are commonly offered to employees, with senior employees and managers often receiving more PTO days.
3. Retirement Plans
- Employees may be eligible for 401(k) plans with company matching, allowing them to save for retirement.
4. Employee Discounts
- Buffalo Wild Wings employees often receive discounts on food and beverages, both for themselves and their families, enhancing overall compensation.
5. Bonuses and Incentives
- Managers and other key employees may be eligible for performance-based bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentives.
Job Outlook for Buffalo Wild Wings Employees
The job outlook for Buffalo Wild Wings employees in 2025 is positive, especially for managerial and leadership roles. The company is poised to expand, and with that expansion comes the need for talented individuals to manage teams, drive sales, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Growth Opportunities
- For those starting in entry-level positions, there are opportunities for promotion into supervisory or management roles. The company’s commitment to employee development helps foster growth, making it an attractive workplace for long-term career prospects.
Technological Advancements
- With the increasing use of digital ordering, delivery services, and automated kitchen technology, the industry is shifting. Managers and restaurant coaches must be adaptable to these technological changes, and those who excel in this area can expect career advancement.
Conclusion
The salary at Buffalo Wild Wings in 2025 is shaped by multiple factors, including experience, role, location, and the broader job market trends in the foodservice industry. Employees in higher positions, such as restaurant coaches and general managers, can expect to earn competitive salaries, with ample room for growth as they gain experience and expertise. The benefits, job outlook, and advancement opportunities make Buffalo Wild Wings an appealing choice for those seeking a career in the restaurant and hospitality sector. By focusing on education, certifications, and career development, employees can maximize their earning potential and enjoy long-term career satisfaction.
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