Kitchen Manager Salary in Madison, WI
Kitchen Managers in Madison, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $29.10 per hour, which translates to about $1,164.00 per week, $5,044.00 per month, and $60,528.00 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Madison is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and expanding opportunities in the food service management sector in the area.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Madison, WI?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Madison varies based on experience and specific employer, but the following breakdown provides a helpful guide for different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $26.00 | $1,040.00 | $4,493.33 | $53,920.00 |
| 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 Madison Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers typically do not earn tips since their role is managerial and mostly behind the scenes. Their compensation generally comes solely from their salary or hourly wage.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Madison vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers earn an average of around $28.90 per hour, which comes to about $60,112 annually.
Compared to this, Kitchen Managers in Madison earn slightly above the national average, with an average hourly wage of $29.10 and an annual salary of $60,528.00.
This reflects Madison’s competitive market and living costs influencing the pay scale for Kitchen Managers.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Madison for Kitchen Managers
Nearby areas in Madison offer the following salaries for Kitchen Managers:
- Downtown Madison: $31.50 per hour
- West Side: $32.00 per hour
Kitchen Managers working in these areas may enjoy slightly higher wages than the city average, reflecting localized demand and establishment types.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Madison?
Several factors can impact how much a Kitchen Manager earns in Madison:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Kitchen Managers typically command higher wages due to proven skills in kitchen operations and team leadership.
- Skills and Certifications: Knowledge of food safety, inventory management, and staff supervision can improve earnings. Certifications such as ServSafe Manager or Certified Food Protection Manager help demonstrate competence.
- Type of Establishment: Higher-end restaurants, hotels, and large catering companies often offer higher salaries compared to casual dining or smaller venues.
- Size and Location of Venue: Larger kitchens with more staff require more complex management, which can translate to better pay.
- Local Economic Conditions: Living costs and demand in Madison affect overall salary levels and benefits.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Madison
Becoming a Kitchen Manager in Madison involves a combination of education, experience, and certifications.
Many start with culinary training programs such as those offered by Madison College Culinary Arts Program, which provides practical skills in cooking and kitchen management.
Alternatively, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Food Science Program offers valuable knowledge about food systems, safety, and production that can benefit aspiring Kitchen Managers.
Professional certifications are crucial. The ServSafe Manager Certification and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) are especially recognized in Wisconsin and often required for management roles in food establishments.
Gaining hands-on experience by working in kitchens, progressing from cook or kitchen assistant roles to supervisory positions, is essential for career advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Madison
If you are looking for a Kitchen Manager role in Madison, these employers frequently offer opportunities:
- Texas Roadhouse
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Kwik Trip
- Butterbird Chicken & Bar
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Madison Work At
Kitchen Managers in Madison commonly work in a variety of food service establishments, including:
- Casual dining restaurants: Often provide steady work and moderate pay with opportunities to manage a diverse team.
- Fast casual chains: May offer faster-paced environments with different operational challenges impacting salary scales.
- Hotels and resorts: Typically employ Kitchen Managers with responsibilities over larger culinary operations, often paying more.
- Catering companies: Require managers to oversee event-specific preparations, which can influence pay based on scale and client profiles.
The type and prestige of the establishment can significantly affect salary, benefits, and advancement opportunities for Kitchen Managers.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Madison for Kitchen Managers
If you're interested in roles similar to Kitchen Manager, consider these related positions that share overlapping skills and work environments.
These include Kitchen Supervisor, Head Chef, and Restaurant Manager roles, each requiring strong leadership and culinary management skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Madison
Kitchen Managers should understand labor laws and tax obligations relevant to their employment in Madison.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for information on federal labor laws and workplace regulations.
- The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website provides resources on state labor laws and employment services.
- For local regulations and services, the City of Madison official website is a helpful guide.