How much does a Kitchen Team Member make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Kitchen Team Member?

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

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



