Sweetgreen managers could earn more than $200,000 a year under a new pay plan, as the salad chain bets higher pay will lift sales

Sweetgreen announced a new compensation plan that will raise manager base pay by up to 45% at higher-volume locations starting in 2027, with top managers potentially earning more than $200,000 a year. Under the plan, restaurant managers will also receive a share of revenue when their locations exceed sales targets, tying compensation directly to store performance. The salad chain is betting that higher pay will reduce turnover, attract stronger talent, and ultimately lift same-store sales across its footprint. The move comes as Sweetgreen works to reverse sluggish sales and improve profitability amid a challenging fast-casual dining environment. Investors should watch whether the increased labor costs weigh on margins in the near term and whether the investment translates into measurable sales improvements at participating stores.