Kitchen Manager Salary in Birmingham, AL
Kitchen Managers in Birmingham, AL, in 2026, earn approximately $28.39 per hour, which translates to about $1,135.60 per week, $4,920.93 per month, and $59,051.20 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Birmingham is growing at a rate of about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook and increasing opportunities in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Birmingham, AL?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Birmingham varies based on experience and skill level. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings at different levels of experience:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $25.67 | $1,026.80 | $4,433.47 | $53,393.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.39 | $1,135.60 | $4,920.93 | $59,051.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $37.22 | $1,488.80 | $6,432.27 | $77,417.60 |
Do Kitchen Managers in Birmingham Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily managerial and behind the scenes rather than customer-facing. Their earnings mainly come from their salary or hourly wages.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Birmingham vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers earn an average of about $28.39 per hour and $59,051.20 per year.
Kitchen Managers in Birmingham earn salaries quite close to the national average, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Birmingham for Kitchen Managers
Nearby areas with potentially higher pay for Kitchen Managers include:
- Mountain Brook: $30.50 per hour
- Vestavia Hills: $29.80 per hour
Kitchen Managers working in Mountain Brook or Vestavia Hills may enjoy a slight salary premium compared to Birmingham itself.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Birmingham?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Birmingham can be influenced by several key factors:
- Experience Level: More experienced managers usually command higher wages.
- Skills and Certifications: Expertise in food safety, kitchen operations, and leadership skills can boost salary.
- Type of Establishment: Managing kitchens in upscale restaurants or hotels often pays more than fast food or casual dining.
- Size of the Establishment: Larger kitchens with more staff can mean higher managerial responsibilities and pay.
- Economic Factors: Local demand for hospitality staff and cost of living in Birmingham affect wage rates.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Birmingham
Starting a career as a Kitchen Manager in Birmingham involves several important steps to build the necessary skills and qualifications.
Consider formal culinary and hospitality training programs such as those offered by Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute, which provides comprehensive culinary arts programs with hands-on training and industry certifications. Additionally, Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, offers diploma and associate degree programs emphasizing practical experience.
Furthermore, obtaining important certifications is vital. The ServSafe Manager Certification is a nationally recognized credential focusing on food safety and sanitation, while the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required by Alabama law for at least one person in charge during food service operations.
Gaining practical experience by working in kitchen roles and developing management skills is equally important for advancement into Kitchen Manager positions.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Birmingham
Some of the top companies hiring Kitchen Managers in Birmingham include:
- Gecko Hospitality
- Chick-fil-A Corporate
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Birmingham Work At
Kitchen Managers in Birmingham typically work in a variety of establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues provide steady work and moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Chains: Often have higher operational efficiency demands and pay scales.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger kitchen operations here generally offer higher salaries and more complex management roles.
- Catering Companies: These can involve event-based work and varying income structures.
The type of establishment often impacts the salary, with upscale hotels and larger operations typically offering higher compensation for Kitchen Managers.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Birmingham for Kitchen Managers
Those interested in Kitchen Manager roles may also consider related positions in hospitality management and culinary leadership.
Relevant roles include Kitchen Manager, Kitchen Supervisor, and Restaurant Manager, all of which require management skills and offer varying salary ranges in the hospitality field.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Birmingham
Kitchen Managers in Birmingham should be aware of federal, state, and local labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and protect their employment rights.
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive guidelines.
- Alabama's state-specific employment rules can be found at the official Alabama government website.
- For local labor information and resources, consult the City of Birmingham's official website.