Kitchen Manager Salary in Hartford, CT
Kitchen Managers in Hartford, CT, in 2025, earn approximately $31.97 per hour, which translates to about $1,278.80 per week, $5,541.47 per month, and $66,497.60 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Hartford is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities and career growth in this role within the city's culinary and hospitality industries.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Hartford, CT?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Hartford varies based on experience, skills, and employer type. Here is an overview of pay levels at different stages in the career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $26.00 | $1,040.00 | $4,493.33 | $55,040.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $30.00 | $1,200.00 | $5,200.00 | $62,400.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $34.00 | $1,360.00 | $5,893.33 | $70,720.00 |
Do Kitchen Managers in Hartford Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers generally do not earn tips as their role primarily involves overseeing kitchen operations behind the scenes rather than direct customer interaction. Their compensation usually relies solely on salary or wages.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Hartford vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers make around $30.00 per hour, which amounts to approximately $62,400 per year.
Compared to the national average, Kitchen Managers in Hartford earn slightly more hourly ($31.97) and annually ($66,497.60), reflecting local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hartford for Kitchen Managers
Nearby areas in Connecticut offer competitive wages for Kitchen Managers:
- Downtown Hartford: $33.00 per hour
- West Hartford: $34.00 per hour
These surrounding locations may offer better pay due to varied establishment types and higher demand for skilled kitchen management professionals.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Hartford?
Several important factors influence how much a Kitchen Manager can earn in Hartford:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Kitchen Managers who demonstrate leadership and operational skills are often rewarded with higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, hotels, or large food service operations usually results in better salaries compared to smaller or casual venues.
- Education and Certifications: Those with culinary education or certifications related to food safety and management can command higher wages.
- Location and Demand: Geographic location within Hartford and surrounding areas affects pay due to cost of living and local job market competitiveness.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Hartford
Becoming a Kitchen Manager in Hartford involves a blend of education, experience, and certifications.
Start by gaining foundational culinary and management skills through programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Manchester Community College, which offers comprehensive training in kitchen management and food safety.
Another valuable option is the Hospitality Management Program at Capital Community College, focusing on hospitality operations, customer service, and business aspects vital for Kitchen Managers.
Professional certifications enhance your credentials and may be legally required. For example, the ServSafe Manager Certification is nationally recognized for food safety and sanitation. Additionally, Connecticut mandates the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification to ensure compliance with health regulations.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Hartford
Hartford features several reputable employers actively seeking talented Kitchen Managers:
- Max Restaurant Group
- Bear's Smokehouse BBQ
- Carbone's Ristorante
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Hartford Work At
Kitchen Managers in Hartford commonly work in a variety of food service environments including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments offer steady opportunities but salaries may be moderate depending on size.
- Fast Casual Chains: High volume and structured operations provide stable employment with competitive wages.
- Fine Dining Restaurants and Hotels: These settings often reward Kitchen Managers with higher salaries due to expectations of quality and complexity.
- Catering and Event Venues: Working in these establishments requires coordination skills and can impact salary based on event scale and frequency.
The type of establishment significantly impacts overall compensation and career progression opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hartford for Kitchen Managers
For those interested in similar roles to Kitchen Manager, consider exploring these related careers:
These include Kitchen Supervisor, Restaurant Manager, and Assistant Restaurant Manager—roles involving related leadership and operational responsibilities in food service.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Hartford
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is essential for Kitchen Managers working in Hartford.
- Visit the Connecticut Department of Labor website for comprehensive information on employment laws, wage standards, and workplace safety regulations.
- For federal workplace safety guidelines, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration site is a valuable resource.