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Management · Tennessee

How to Become a Food Service Managers in Tennessee

Food Service Managers in Tennessee earn a median salary of $61,000/year, which is 7% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a food service managers takes home approximately $2,842/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$61K
Median salary in Tennessee
-7%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
5,400
Employed in Tennessee

What a food service managers can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$61,000
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$4,254/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home33.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$61,000/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,842/mo

Becoming a food service managers in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Food Service Managers positions in Tennessee typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many food service managers positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for food service managerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 5,400 food service managers. The highest concentrations are in Chattanooga and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin.

Food Service Managers salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Chattanooga$63K$30.23/hr430
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$62K$29.77/hr2,120
Memphis$60K$29/hr910
Johnson City$60K$28.97/hr110
Jackson$60K$28.8/hr90
Knoxville$58K$27.78/hr740
Clarksville$54K$25.99/hr150
Kingsport-Bristol$53K$25.56/hr210
Morristown$52K$25.18/hr60
Cleveland$49K$23.42/hr70

Food Service Managers salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$38K
25th percentile
$47K
Median (50th)
$61K
75th percentile
$77K
90th percentile (senior)
$95K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a food service managers make in Tennessee?

The median food service managers salary in Tennessee is $61,000 per year ($29.33/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $65,310. Salaries range from $37,600 to $95,190.

What are the requirements to become a food service managers in Tennessee?

Food Service Managers positions in Tennessee typically require Bachelor's degree. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a food service managers afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $61,000, a food service managers in Tennessee would take home approximately $4,254/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 33.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for food service managers in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for food service managers in Tennessee are Chattanooga ($62,880), Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($61,930), Memphis ($60,310). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for food service managers?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means food service managers keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.