How much does a shift leader make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups this role under First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers (SOC 35-1012). In its May 2025 wage survey, the national median was $21.19 an hour, or about $44,080 a year for full-time work, across roughly 1,223,240 people employed nationally. The middle of the market sits between $14.40 at the 10th percentile and $31.52 at the 90th.
Shift Leader pay in Boston
In the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area, the median for first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers was $22.64 an hour ($47,090a year), reflecting Massachusetts' higher minimum wage and cost of living.
What moves the number
Shift leader pay is usually an hourly wage above crew rates, reflecting added responsibility for cash, safety, and people. Market conditions, the size of the restaurant, and the hours worked all play a role. Candidates with proven leadership experience, certifications, and willingness to open or close can often negotiate more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS figures for tipped roles may not capture all tip income. The BLS category is the closest official match for this role, not an exact one.
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