Kitchen Manager Salary in Cincinnati, OH
Kitchen Managers in Cincinnati, OH, in 2025, earn approximately $25.92 per hour, which translates to about $1,036.80 per week, $4,492.80 per month, and $53,913.60 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Cincinnati is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a promising outlook for professionals in this role within the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Cincinnati, OH?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Cincinnati can vary depending on experience and the specific employer. Here's a general outline of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $20.77 | $830.80 | $3,597.33 | $43,160.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $25.92 | $1,036.80 | $4,492.80 | $53,913.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $32.40 | $1,296.00 | $5,598.40 | $67,392.00 |
Do Kitchen Managers in Cincinnati Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers generally do not earn tips since they focus on overseeing kitchen operations rather than direct customer service. Their income typically consists of base salary or wages only.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Cincinnati vs. National Average
On a national level, Kitchen Managers earn an average of around $28.17 per hour, translating to about $58,593.60 per year.
When compared to the national average, Kitchen Managers in Cincinnati earn slightly less, with hourly wages of about $25.92 and yearly pay of roughly $53,913.60.
This difference can be attributed to variation in local living costs and demand within the Cincinnati market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Cincinnati for Kitchen Managers
Nearby regions offer varying pay rates for Kitchen Managers:
- Downtown: $27.50 per hour
- Over-the-Rhine: $28.00 per hour
Kitchen Managers working in areas like Over-the-Rhine may find higher pay compared to other parts of the Cincinnati metro.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Cincinnati?
Several factors can impact the salary of a Kitchen Manager in Cincinnati, such as:
- Experience and Expertise: Kitchen Managers with more years of experience and refined culinary management skills tend to earn higher pay.
- Skills and Certifications: Knowledge in food safety, staff supervision, and efficient kitchen operations can boost earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, hotels, and large catering companies often offer better compensation than smaller casual dining spots.
- Location and Market Demand: Working in popular neighborhoods or districts with flourishing dining scenes may increase salary opportunities.
- Education and Training: Formal culinary education or management courses can influence salary, as employers look for qualified candidates.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Cincinnati
Becoming a Kitchen Manager in Cincinnati involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience. Here are some key steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Education Programs: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Culinary Arts Program offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, providing hands-on training and management skills essential for Kitchen Managers.
- Advance Your Culinary Skills: The Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State provides comprehensive culinary education focusing on contemporary techniques and kitchen management.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Manager Certification and the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) are crucial. The CFPM is mandated by Ohio law and ensures knowledge of food safety practices.
- Gain Experience: Working as a Line Cook, Sous Chef, or in other culinary roles helps build the experience needed to move into management.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Kitchen Managers need strong organizational and supervisory abilities to oversee kitchen staff efficiently.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Cincinnati
Several well-known companies in Cincinnati regularly seek skilled Kitchen Managers, including:
- The Cheesecake Factory
- BJ's Restaurants
- Darden Restaurants
- Kona Grill
- McDonald's
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Cincinnati Work At
Kitchen Managers in Cincinnati typically work in various types of foodservice establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments often employ Kitchen Managers to oversee daily kitchen operations with moderate pay scales.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Kitchen Managers here focus on operational efficiency and may earn competitive wages relative to the local market.
- Hotels and Resorts: Kitchen Managers in these places are generally responsible for larger-scale operations and often receive higher compensation.
- Catering Companies and Banquet Facilities: These venues might offer Kitchen Managers diverse responsibilities and varied pay structures.
The nature of the establishment greatly impacts salary, with upscale or high-volume operations typically providing higher earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Cincinnati for Kitchen Managers
If you're considering career paths similar to that of a Kitchen Manager, here are a few related roles to explore:
These include Kitchen Supervisor, Head Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, which involve overlapping skills and can present alternative or career advancement opportunities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Cincinnati
Kitchen Managers should be well-informed about labor laws and tax regulations affecting their employment in Cincinnati and Ohio.
- Refer to the U.S. Department of Labor website for comprehensive federal labor laws and workplace regulations.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics website offers valuable data on wages, employment trends, and occupational outlooks.
- For state-specific information, the State of Ohio's official website provides resources on Ohio labor laws and employment services.