How much does a Kitchen Manager make?
A Kitchen Manager plays a key role in the smooth operation of a restaurant. This role involves overseeing kitchen staff, managing inventory, and ensuring food quality. The average yearly salary for a Kitchen Manager is around $46,109. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of restaurant.
The salary range for Kitchen Managers can be quite broad. Some earn as little as $30,000 per year, while others can make over $82,000 annually. The top 10% of earners make more than $77,727. This range shows that with experience and skill, a Kitchen Manager can earn a very good income. Factors like location and the size of the restaurant also impact salary. Urban areas and larger establishments often offer higher pay.
What are the highest paying cities for a Kitchen Manager?

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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $77,415
In Modesto, a kitchen manager oversees daily operations in various restaurants. The city's diverse dining scene offers many opportunities. Local favorites like The Old Spaghetti Factory provide a vibrant environment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $66,622
Seattle's kitchen managers thrive in a bustling culinary hub. The city's love for fresh seafood and coffee creates a dynamic work setting. Companies like The Pink Door offer exciting challenges.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $64,875
Charleston's kitchen managers enjoy a rich food culture. The city's historic charm and fresh ingredients make for a unique experience. Restaurants like Husk highlight the local flavors.
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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $64,404
New Orleans offers kitchen managers a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The city's famous cuisine provides a dynamic work environment. Places like Commander's Palace showcase the local flavors.
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Columbia, SC
Average Salary: $64,287
Columbia's kitchen managers work in a growing culinary scene. The city's diverse dining options offer many opportunities. Restaurants like Blue Plate offer a taste of the local culture.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $61,405
Boston's kitchen managers navigate a historic and diverse food landscape. The city's rich culinary heritage provides a unique work environment. Establishments like Legal Sea Foods offer exciting challenges.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $58,529
In Tulsa, kitchen managers enjoy a mix of traditional and modern dining. The city's growing food scene offers many opportunities. Local spots like The Boiler Room provide a vibrant atmosphere.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $58,506
Los Angeles offers kitchen managers a diverse and dynamic culinary environment. The city's vast food options provide endless opportunities. Restaurants like Gjelina offer a taste of the local culture.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $57,858
Denver's kitchen managers work in a vibrant and growing food scene. The city's love for fresh, local ingredients creates a dynamic work setting. Places like The Kitchen offer exciting challenges.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $57,696
Kansas City's kitchen managers enjoy a rich culinary tradition. The city's famous barbecue and diverse dining options provide a unique work environment. Restaurants like Q39 offer a taste of the local flavors.
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What are the best companies a Kitchen Manager can work for?

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Din Tai Fung
Average Salary: $125,578
Din Tai Fung is a renowned Asian restaurant known for its delicious soup dumplings. They offer Kitchen Manager jobs in various locations across the U.S. This role involves overseeing kitchen operations, managing staff, and ensuring high-quality food service.
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CentraArchy Restaurants
Average Salary: $87,143
CentraArchy Restaurants operates several upscale dining establishments. They provide Kitchen Manager jobs in cities like Chicago and New York. In this role, you will lead kitchen staff, maintain food quality, and manage inventory.
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Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Average Salary: $84,018
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants is a popular dining and wine venue. They offer Kitchen Manager positions in locations such as California and Arizona. This role includes managing kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
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Tender Greens
Average Salary: $74,089
Tender Greens is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its healthy salads and bowls. They offer Kitchen Manager jobs in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. This role involves supervising kitchen staff, maintaining food quality, and ensuring efficient operations.
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BJ'S Restaurant & Brewhouse
Average Salary: $70,364
BJ'S Restaurant & Brewhouse is a casual dining chain with a focus on American cuisine. They offer Kitchen Manager jobs in various locations across the U.S. This role includes managing kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring a welcoming dining experience.
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Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux
Average Salary: $70,214
Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux is a sports-themed restaurant chain. They offer Kitchen Manager jobs in cities like Dallas and Houston. This role involves overseeing kitchen operations, managing staff, and ensuring a lively atmosphere.
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Goodwin Recruiting
Average Salary: $68,529
Goodwin Recruiting is a staffing agency that places Kitchen Managers in various restaurants. They offer positions in cities like Denver and Seattle. This role includes managing kitchen staff, overseeing food quality, and ensuring smooth operations.
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Puttshack
Average Salary: $67,220
Puttshack is a unique dining and entertainment venue. They offer Kitchen Manager jobs in cities like Chicago and New York. This role involves managing kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring a fun dining experience.
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Vera Bradley
Average Salary: $63,520
Vera Bradley is a lifestyle brand that offers Kitchen Manager jobs in its retail stores. They operate in cities like Orlando and Las Vegas. This role involves managing kitchen staff, overseeing food quality, and ensuring a welcoming shopping experience.
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Flix Brewhouse
Average Salary: $62,500
Flix Brewhouse is a casual dining and entertainment venue. They offer Kitchen Manager jobs in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. This role includes managing kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring a lively dining experience.
How to earn more as a Kitchen Manager?
A Kitchen Manager plays a key role in the smooth operation of a restaurant. This position requires a blend of leadership, culinary skills, and business acumen. Those who excel in this role can find opportunities to increase their earnings. Here are some factors that can help a Kitchen Manager earn more.
First, gaining experience in different types of kitchens can open up higher-paying opportunities. Working in high-end restaurants, hotels, or catering companies often comes with higher salaries. Each environment offers unique challenges and skills that can make a Kitchen Manager more valuable. Second, obtaining additional certifications can boost earning potential. Certifications such as ServSafe or a Certified Culinary Professional (CCP) designation can set a Kitchen Manager apart from others.
Third, developing strong leadership skills can lead to higher positions and salaries. Effective managers who can motivate and guide their team often earn more. Fourth, mastering financial management skills can be beneficial. Understanding budgeting, cost control, and revenue management can make a Kitchen Manager more attractive to employers. Lastly, networking within the industry can lead to better job opportunities. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other professionals can open doors to higher-paying roles.
By focusing on these factors, a Kitchen Manager can enhance their career and increase their earnings. Continuous learning and professional development are key to achieving higher pay and more responsibility in the kitchen.
- Gain experience in various kitchen environments.
- Obtain additional certifications.
- Develop strong leadership skills.
- Master financial management skills.
- Network within the industry.



