As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Kitchen Team Lead in the United States is $44,842 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Kitchen Team Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Kitchen Team Lead'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 Team Lead'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 Team Lead | $43,189 |
| Intermediate Level Kitchen Team Lead | $43,387 |
| Senior Level Kitchen Team Lead | $44,842 |
| Specialist Level Kitchen Team Lead | $46,478 |
| Expert Level Kitchen Team Lead | $46,701 |
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 Team Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 8.14% |
| Catering | 1.95% |
| Cost Control | 1.16% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$48,878 |
9%
|
|
Safety Training
|
$48,429 |
8%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$48,429 |
8%
|
|
Team Management
|
$48,429 |
8%
|
|
Commitment
|
$48,429 |
8%
|
|
Motivating
|
$47,981 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Kitchen Team Leads enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Team Lead with a No Diploma is between $39,144 and $41,185).
Kitchen Team Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.9% |
| High School | 55.9% |
| Associates | 17.6% |
| Bachelors | 20.6% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Kitchen Team Lead'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, 2026For a Kitchen Team Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Kitchen Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $55,431 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Salaries for a Kitchen Team Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,348 in 2023 to around $43,117 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Kitchen Team Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,348 |
| 2024 | $43,342 |
| 2025 | $43,117 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Kitchen Team Lead'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 Team Lead earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Kitchen Team Lead is $56,559.
The highest pay for Kitchen Team Lead is $54,360.
The lowest pay for Kitchen Team Lead is $36,379.
Supervises kitchen staff and food preparation. Ensures a high level of food quality, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction. May require a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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