Hourly Wage for Kitchen Manager/Chef Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Kitchen Manager/Chef?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Kitchen Manager/Chef in the United States is $24, which translates to an annual salary of about $49,600.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $29 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $21 to $26 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $19 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Kitchen Manager/Chef Salaries

A Kitchen Manager/Chef's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Kitchen Manager/Chef Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Kitchen Manager/Cheves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,920.
  • California: $54,710.
  • Massachusetts: $53,980.

Top Paying Cities for Kitchen Manager/Cheves

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $62,570
  • San Francisco: $61,880
  • Oakland: $60,580

What Skills Can Increase a Kitchen Manager/Chef's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.45% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Foodservice (Mentioned in 3.29% Job Postings): The foodservice or catering industry includes the businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
  • Purchasing (Mentioned in 1.49% Job Postings): Purchasing refers to a business or organization attempting to acquire goods or services to accomplish its goals. Although there are several organizations that attempt to set standards in the purchasing process, processes can vary greatly between organizations. Typically the word “purchasing” is not used interchangeably with the word “procurement”, since procurement typically includes expediting, supplier quality, and transportation and logistics (T&L) in addition to purchasing.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.45%
Foodservice 3.29%
Purchasing 1.49%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Kitchen Manager/Chef's salary.

  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • HACCP: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Commitment $60,016
21%
HACCP $59,520
20%
Preventive Maintenance $54,560
10%

Kitchen Manager/Chef Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Kitchen Manager/Chef salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,430. While startup companies pay approximate $46,888.

Kitchen Manager/Chef Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $46,888
Growth Stage 51~500 $49,589
Established 501~5000 $53,525
Enterprise 5000+ $55,430

Kitchen Manager/Chef Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Kitchen Manager/Chef roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Kitchen Manager/Chef positions in Telecom or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Kitchen Manager/Chef as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Kitchen Manager/Chef

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$66,960$32.035%
Energy & Utilities$64,480$31.030%
Internet$62,000$30.025%
Aerospace & Defense$59,520$29.020%
Pharmaceuticals$59,520$29.020%

How Education impacts a Kitchen Manager/Chef's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Kitchen Manager/Cheves enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Kitchen Manager/Chef with a Bachelor's Degree is between $48,839 and $53,066).

Kitchen Manager/Chef Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Kitchen Manager/Chef
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.1%
High School 23.5%
Associates 53.8%
Bachelors 19.9%
Masters 0.6%
Doctorate 0.0%

Kitchen Manager/Chef Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Kitchen Manager/Chef'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 September 01, 2026
$44,700
Average $49,600/year
$54,800
$3,725
Average $4,133/month
$4,567
$860
Average $954/week
$1,054
$21
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,800 $4,567 $1,054 $26
Average $49,600 $4,133 $954 $24
25th Percentile $44,700 $3,725 $860 $21

Most common benefits for Kitchen Manager/Chef

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Kitchen Manager/Chef

Here are companies hiring for Kitchen Manager/Chef and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Kitchen Manager/Chef

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Kitchen Manager/Chef?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Kitchen Manager/Chef roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paying job in a kitchen?

The highest paying job in a kitchen is typically the Executive Chef, with an average annual salary of around $95,302. However, for positions like Kitchen Manager or Chef, salaries range from a minimum of $45,760 to a maximum of $61,450, with a mid-salary of $52,720. These roles are crucial in managing kitchen operations and staff.

3. What does an AMC cook do?

As a Cook, you assist the food and beverage team in ensuring every guest enjoys their experience. You'll maintain consistent food quality, prepare orders quickly, and follow established recipes and guidelines. The salary for this role typically ranges from $45,760 to $61,450, with a mid-range salary of $52,720.

4. Can a chef make millions?

While top chefs like Gordon Ramsay can earn millions, most kitchen managers or chefs earn between $45,760 and $61,450 annually. Success often depends on factors like location and experience. Even without celebrity status, skilled chefs can achieve financial stability and growth in their careers through dedication and expertise.

5. How much does a kitchen manager earn in the US?

A Kitchen Manager in the US typically earns between $45,760 and $61,450 annually. The average salary is around $52,720, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the earning potential for this role in the culinary industry.

6. How much does a 5 star chef earn in USA?

Experienced kitchen managers and chefs in the USA typically earn between $45,760 and $61,450, with a mid-salary of around $52,720. While top chefs at prestigious establishments may exceed these figures, the average salary reflects the competitive nature of the culinary industry.

7. What is the highest paid restaurant manager?

The highest paid restaurant manager roles include positions like Director of Restaurant Operations, with salaries ranging from $72,000 to $130,500 per year, and Culinary Director, earning between $60,000 and $123,000. For Kitchen Managers or Chefs, salaries typically range from $45,760 to $61,450, depending on experience and location.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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