As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Kitchen Manager in the United States is $55,431 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Kitchen Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Kitchen 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 Kitchen 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Kitchen Manager | $53,068 |
| Intermediate Level Kitchen Manager | $53,352 |
| Senior Level Kitchen Manager | $55,431 |
| Specialist Level Kitchen Manager | $57,797 |
| Expert Level Kitchen Manager | $58,119 |
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 Kitchen Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 10.43% |
| Kitchen Operations | 1.7% |
| Food and Beverage Services | 1.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Motivating
|
$62,637 |
13%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$60,420 |
9%
|
|
Accountability
|
$59,311 |
7%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$59,311 |
7%
|
|
Product Quality
|
$59,311 |
7%
|
|
Catering
|
$58,757 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Kitchen 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 Kitchen Manager with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $56,492 and $61,157).
Kitchen Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.2% |
| High School | 45.6% |
| Associates | 29.0% |
| Bachelors | 20.7% |
| Masters | 1.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Kitchen 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 January 01, 2026
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A Kitchen Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Kitchen Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Kitchen Manager is $69,915.
The highest pay for Kitchen Manager is $69,196.
The lowest pay for Kitchen Manager is $43,334.
Manages the daily operations of the kitchen, which may include but not limited to: accounting, finance, staff working schedule, inventory control and equipment supplies. Responsible for employees' training. Oversees other departments that contribute to the operations of the kitchen. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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