As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Culinary Services Manager in the United States is $90,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Culinary Services Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Culinary Services Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Culinary Services Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Services Supervisor | 0-3 years | $40,396 |
| Culinary Services Manager | 3-5 years | $90,566 |
| Culinary Services Director | 5+ years | $113,114 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Culinary Services Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 8.09% |
| Product Quality | 1.99% |
| Customer Satisfaction | 1.48% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Budgeting
|
$96,942 |
7%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$95,130 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$95,130 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$95,130 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$95,130 |
5%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$94,224 |
4%
|
Culinary Services Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $98,144. While startup companies pay approximate $83,095.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,095 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,863 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $94,810 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $98,144 |
For Culinary Services Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Culinary Services Manager positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Culinary Services Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $126,840 | $61.0 | 40% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $104,190 | $50.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Culinary Services Managers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Culinary Services Manager with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $74,822 and $83,500).
Culinary Services Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 28.7% |
| Associates | 22.7% |
| Bachelors | 43.0% |
| Masters | 4.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Culinary Services Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Culinary Services Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Services Director | $113,200 | 25% |
| Restaurant Sales/Operations Regional Manager | $86,300 | -5% |
Salaries for a Culinary Services Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $56,119 in 2023 to around $55,156 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Culinary Services Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $56,119 |
| 2024 | $55,749 |
| 2025 | $55,156 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Culinary Services Manager roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
A Food Manager, often referred to as a Certified Food Protection Manager, is responsible for ensuring food safety and protecting customers in a food facility. The role requires a deep understanding of food safety practices. Salaries for Culinary Services Managers range from $68,900 to $96,900, with a median salary of $84,400, reflecting the importance of this position.
The highest-paid manager roles typically include positions like Culinary Services Manager, with salaries ranging from $68,900 to $96,900, depending on experience and location. Other high-paying managerial roles include Store Manager, Farm Manager, and Food and Beverage Manager, among others.
A Culinary Services Manager in the US earns between $68,900 and $96,900 annually, with a median salary of approximately $84,400. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role, providing a clearer picture of potential earnings in this field.
McDonald's Kitchen Managers can expect a salary range based on the Culinary Services Manager data. The minimum salary is approximately $68,900, the mid-range salary is around $84,400, and the maximum salary can reach up to $96,900. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to the average hourly pay of $12.45 reported for similar positions.
Experienced Culinary Services Manager with 8+ years of management experience in a high-volume food service environment. Skilled in overseeing personnel, enhancing customer satisfaction, and managing inventory. Energetic Culinary Services Manager with a proven track record, earning a salary range of $68,900 to $96,900, reflecting expertise in the industry.
Managers in culinary services typically work long hours, averaging 50 to 60 hours a week, while juggling various responsibilities. This demanding role is reflected in the salary range, with a minimum of $68,900, a midpoint of $84,400, and a maximum of $96,900, highlighting the commitment required to maintain operational excellence.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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