Position
Salary

How much does a Kitchen Team Member make?

The average salary for a Kitchen Team Member is $33,185 per year in the US.

If you are considering a career as a Kitchen Team Member, understanding the salary range can help you make an informed choice. On average, Kitchen Team Members earn about $33,185 each year. This average helps job seekers gauge what to expect when they start working in this role. Many factors influence the salary, including experience, location, and the size of the restaurant.

Here are some key points to note:

  • The lowest 10% of Kitchen Team Members earn less than $21,000 per year.
  • The middle 50% earn between $23,364 and $35,182 per year.
  • The highest 10% can earn over $47,000 annually.

This range provides a clear picture of potential earnings, helping you set realistic expectations for your career in the culinary industry.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Kitchen Team Member?

High-paying jobs for kitchen team members often appear in Buffalo, NY. With an average salary of $47,204, it offers some of the best financial opportunities. Other top-paying cities include Seattle, WA, and Salinas, CA.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Kitchen Team Member jobs, highlighting Buffalo, NY with the highest at $47,204 and Santa Maria, CA with the lowest at $40,624.
  1. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $47,204
    In Buffalo, a kitchen team member role often involves working in busy restaurants and cafes. Notable places like Buffalo News and Anchor Bar offer vibrant work environments. The pace is fast, and teamwork is key.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Buffalo, NY


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $44,857
    Seattle's kitchen team members thrive in a diverse culinary scene. They work in well-known establishments such as Pike Place Market. The city's love for fresh seafood adds a unique flavor to daily tasks.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $42,296
    In Salinas, kitchen team members often find work in family-owned eateries and farm-to-table restaurants. The work is rewarding, with a focus on quality ingredients. Companies like Tanimura & Antle offer stable employment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $42,271
    Los Angeles presents a bustling environment for kitchen team members. They work in iconic spots like In-N-Out Burger. The fast pace suits those who enjoy the energy of a major city's dining scene.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $41,522
    Vallejo offers kitchen team members a mix of local and chain restaurants. Working in this city means being part of a tight-knit community. Places like Round Table Pizza provide a familiar work environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Vallejo, CA


  6. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $40,987
    Baltimore's kitchen team members often work in historic and trendy restaurants. The city's rich food culture offers diverse experiences. Notable eateries include The Helmand and Little Italy spots.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Baltimore, MD


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $40,968
    In San Jose, kitchen team members enjoy working in a tech-savvy city with a vibrant food scene. Companies like Apple and Google offer cafeteria dining options for employees to manage.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $40,747
    San Francisco provides kitchen team members with a unique dining experience. They work in trendy restaurants and cafes. The city's diverse food culture makes each day different and exciting.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Francisco, CA


  9. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $40,721
    Fresno's kitchen team members find work in a growing city with a strong agricultural base. They work in family-owned and larger chain restaurants. The work is fulfilling and community-focused.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Fresno, CA


  10. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $40,624
    Santa Maria offers kitchen team members a slower pace but rich culinary opportunities. They work in both local and larger chain restaurants. The city's laid-back atmosphere makes for a pleasant work environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Maria, CA

What are the best companies a Kitchen Team Member can work for?

Zeeks Pizza offers the highest average salary for Kitchen Team Members, with an annual pay of $57,893. Homestate also provides a competitive salary at around $49,654 per year. Illegal Pete's and Northstar Cafe follow closely, each offering a solid income for those in the kitchen. Panda Restaurant Group and Rubio's Coastal Grill provide respectable wages, averaging $41,479 and $40,333, respectively. While Puttshack and Ono Hawaiian BBQ offer lower salaries, they still provide good opportunities for those entering the kitchen team roles. Choosing a company with a good reputation and fair pay can make a significant difference in job satisfaction and career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Kitchen Team Member jobs, highlighting Zeeks Pizza with the highest at $57,893 and Ono Hawaiian BBQ with the lowest at $38,921.
  1. Zeeks Pizza
    Average Salary: $57,893
    Zeeks Pizza offers exciting opportunities for Kitchen Team Members. They operate in multiple locations across the country. These roles focus on pizza preparation, customer service, and teamwork.


  2. Homestate
    Average Salary: $49,654
    Homestate values its Kitchen Team Members, providing them with quality training and career growth. With locations in various states, they offer a chance to experience diverse culinary techniques and customer interactions.


  3. Illegal Pete's
    Average Salary: $45,528
    Illegal Pete’s is known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique cuisine. Kitchen Team Members play a key role in creating their delicious menu. This company operates in several cities, giving you a chance to work in different environments.


  4. Northstar Cafe
    Average Salary: $45,299
    Northstar Cafe offers a welcoming environment for Kitchen Team Members. They serve a variety of meals and are located in multiple cities. Employees here enjoy a supportive team culture and great learning opportunities.


  5. Third & Hollywood
    Average Salary: $45,000
    At Third & Hollywood, Kitchen Team Members are vital to the success of the restaurant. They focus on quality and service, operating in select locations. The company offers a dynamic work environment and career advancement.


  6. Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
    Average Salary: $42,731
    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine. Kitchen Team Members learn traditional cooking methods. The company has locations in a few major cities, providing unique culinary experiences.


  7. Panda Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $41,479
    Panda Restaurant Group values its Kitchen Team Members, offering extensive training and a family-oriented work environment. With locations in many cities, employees get to work in diverse settings and learn a lot about Asian cuisine.


  8. Rubio's Coastal Grill
    Average Salary: $40,333
    Rubio's Coastal Grill provides a fun and fast-paced work environment. Kitchen Team Members prepare fresh and delicious food. The company operates in numerous locations, allowing for a variety of work experiences.


  9. Puttshack
    Average Salary: $40,045
    At Puttshack, Kitchen Team Members enjoy a lively and interactive work environment. They prepare a variety of dishes in locations across several states. Employees here benefit from a supportive team and creative kitchen duties.


  10. Ono Hawaiian BBQ
    Average Salary: $38,921
    Ono Hawaiian BBQ offers a vibrant atmosphere for Kitchen Team Members. They focus on preparing delicious Hawaiian dishes and operate in several cities. Employees here get to learn about unique culinary techniques and enjoy a fun work culture.

How to earn more as a Kitchen Team Member?

In the competitive environment of the food service industry, earning more as a Kitchen Team Member involves several key strategies. Each step can help a professional stand out and improve their salary. Prioritizing these factors can lead to greater opportunities for advancement and higher pay.

First, gaining specific skills in cooking and kitchen management can open up more roles. These skills make a team member valuable. An experienced worker can handle more responsibilities, which often leads to higher pay. Second, taking on additional tasks, such as training new staff or managing inventory, shows dedication. This often results in promotions and pay raises. Third, maintaining a clean and organized work area helps the kitchen run smoothly. This efficiency can impress management and lead to better pay. Fourth, networking with colleagues and industry professionals can lead to job openings. These new positions often come with higher salaries. Finally, pursuing certifications in food safety and kitchen management enhances credibility. These credentials can make a candidate more attractive to employers.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Kitchen Team Member:

  1. Acquire specific skills in cooking and kitchen management.
  2. Take on additional tasks and responsibilities.
  3. Keep the work area clean and organized.
  4. Network with colleagues and industry professionals.
  5. Pursue certifications in food safety and kitchen management.

Currently 2,675 Kitchen Team Member job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Kitchen Team Member in the US?

Learn what a Kitchen Team Member does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Kitchen Team Member today.
Position
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Kitchen Team Member
2,675 Job Openings