Kitchen Manager Salary in Las Cruces, NM
Kitchen Managers in Las Cruces, NM, in 2026, earn approximately $25.60 per hour, which translates to about $1,024.00 per week, $4,437.33 per month, and $53,248.00 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Las Cruces is stagnant with a 0% growth rate per year, indicating a stable job market with little to no change expected in the near future.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Las Cruces, NM?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Las Cruces varies with experience and individual employer policies. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $24.10 | $964.00 | $4,173.33 | $50,116.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $25.60 | $1,024.00 | $4,437.33 | $53,248.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.10 | $1,124.00 | $4,851.33 | $58,448.00 |
Do Kitchen Managers in Las Cruces Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers typically do not earn tips as their roles are focused on managing kitchen operations behind the scenes, rather than direct customer service.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Las Cruces vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers earn an average of around $28.10 per hour, which is approximately $58,448 per year.
Compared to the national average, Kitchen Managers in Las Cruces earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $25.60 and yearly salary of $53,248.
This difference may be influenced by the local cost of living and regional demand for skilled kitchen leadership.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Las Cruces for Kitchen Managers
Nearby areas offer varying salary rates for Kitchen Managers:
- Albuquerque: $27.80 per hour
- Santa Fe: $26.50 per hour
Kitichen Managers might find higher pay by commuting to Albuquerque, which offers the highest wage among the surrounding cities.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Las Cruces?
Several factors can affect the salary of a Kitchen Manager in Las Cruces:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Kitchen Managers typically command higher salaries due to their extensive knowledge and leadership capabilities.
- Skill Set: Proficiency in food safety, cost control, and team management can lead to better compensation.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels generally pays more compared to fast-food or casual dining environments.
- Size of the Operation: Larger kitchens with higher volume may offer more competitive salaries.
- Certifications: Holding certifications related to food safety or culinary management often enhances earning potential.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Las Cruces
To pursue a career as a Kitchen Manager in Las Cruces, consider the following steps:
- Formal Education: Enroll in culinary arts or hospitality management programs such as the Dona Ana Community College Culinary Arts Program which offers comprehensive training including kitchen management, food safety, and cost control strategies.
- University Programs: New Mexico State University provides a Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management Program, with courses tailored to restaurant operations and kitchen management.
- Certification: Obtain nationally recognized credentials like the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification to demonstrate knowledge in food safety practices.
- Advanced Certification: Consider the Certified Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) offered by the National Restaurant Association, which emphasizes management skills crucial for this role.
- Gain Experience: Hands-on experience in kitchen operations, scheduling, and inventory management is invaluable for advancing to a managerial position.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Las Cruces
Some prominent employers looking for skilled Kitchen Managers in Las Cruces include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Las Cruces Work At
Kitchen Managers find employment in a variety of settings, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments often require Kitchen Managers to oversee moderate-sized teams and standard menu offerings.
- Fast Casual Chains: Fast casual operations typically offer competitive salaries but may have a faster-paced environment with shorter menu cycles.
- Fine Dining and Hotels: Higher-end establishments may pay more due to complex menus and greater management responsibilities.
- Institutional and Catering Kitchens: These kitchens often require strong organizational skills and may offer varied compensation depending on the scope of services.
The type of establishment significantly impacts salary, with upscale venues generally providing better compensation due to higher expectations and complexity.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Las Cruces for Kitchen Managers
If you are interested in careers similar to Kitchen Manager, you might consider related positions, which often share similar skills or career paths.
These include Kitchen Supervisor, Restaurant Manager, and Assistant Restaurant Manager positions, which often have overlapping duties and progression opportunities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Las Cruces
Kitchen Managers should be well-informed about labor laws and tax requirements affecting their employment status:
- For federal labor statistics and job outlook, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The U.S. Department of Labor provides information on federal labor laws and workplace regulations.
- State-specific labor laws and regulations for New Mexico can be found at newmexico.gov.