Market Intelligence
The 2026 Executive Compensation Report
Benchmarks for Premier Restaurant & Hotel Groups.
Published Jan 2026 • MenuTalent Research
The hospitality landscape in 2026 has shifted from stabilization to aggressive optimization. Executive talent is now viewed as a strategic asset, not a cost center. This report analyzes compensation data from 200+ placements across fine dining, luxury hotels, and high-volume restaurant groups to provide actionable benchmarks for hiring teams and candidates alike.
Base Salary Benchmarks
Culinary Leadership
| Role | Tier 1 Markets | Growth Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Exec Chef | $180k - $220k | $150k - $180k |
| Exec Chef (Fine Dining) | $140k - $170k | $120k - $150k |
| Exec Chef (High Volume) | $130k - $160k | $110k - $140k |
| CDC (Chef de Cuisine) | $95k - $125k | $85k - $110k |
Operations Leadership
| Role | Tier 1 Markets | Growth Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Operations | $160k - $200k | $140k - $170k |
| GM (Luxury) | $120k - $150k | $100k - $130k |
| GM (Casual) | $100k - $130k | $85k - $110k |
| Beverage Director | $110k - $140k | $95k - $120k |
2026 Perks & Trends
4-Day Work Weeks
Retention strategy gaining traction among progressive hospitality groups.
Sabbaticals
Paid 2-week breaks becoming standard for senior leadership roles.
Equity / Profit Share
Expected for C-Level positions and high-growth concept launches.
Relocation
$15k - $25k net packages standard for executive relocations.