As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Kitchen Manager in the United States is $57,279 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Restaurant Kitchen Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Restaurant 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 Restaurant 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 Restaurant Kitchen Manager | $54,375 |
| Intermediate Level Restaurant Kitchen Manager | $54,659 |
| Senior Level Restaurant Kitchen Manager | $56,740 |
| Specialist Level Restaurant Kitchen Manager | $59,113 |
| Expert Level Restaurant Kitchen Manager | $59,436 |
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 Restaurant 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
|
$64,726 |
13%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$62,434 |
9%
|
|
Accountability
|
$61,289 |
7%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$61,289 |
7%
|
|
Product Quality
|
$61,289 |
7%
|
|
Catering
|
$60,716 |
6%
|
For Restaurant Kitchen Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Restaurant Kitchen Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Restaurant Kitchen Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $71,599 | $34.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $68,735 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $68,735 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $68,735 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $63,007 | $30.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Restaurant 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 Restaurant Kitchen Manager with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $56,492 and $61,157).
Restaurant 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 Restaurant 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Restaurant Kitchen Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,996 in 2023 to around $44,938 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Restaurant Kitchen Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,996 |
| 2024 | $45,704 |
| 2025 | $44,938 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Restaurant Kitchen Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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