Kitchen Manager Salary in Milwaukee, WI
Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $29.56 per hour. This breaks down to about $1,182.40 per week, $5,123.73 per month, and $61,484.80 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding hospitality sector that values effective kitchen leadership and management.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Milwaukee, WI?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Milwaukee varies depending on experience, establishment, and skills. Below is an overview of earnings across 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) | $29.56 | $1,182.40 | $5,123.73 | $61,484.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $34.00 | $1,360.00 | $5,893.33 | $70,720.00 |
Do Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers generally do not earn tips as their primary responsibilities are managerial and operational rather than direct customer service. Their income mostly comes from salary or wages rather than gratuities.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Milwaukee vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers earn an average of around $28.14 per hour, which translates to approximately $58,531.20 per year.
Comparatively, Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee earn a bit more than the national average, at about $29.56 per hour and $61,484.80 annually. This suggests that Milwaukee provides competitive wages for Kitchen Managers within the hospitality industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Milwaukee for Kitchen Managers
Nearby cities and towns offer varying salary levels for Kitchen Managers:
- Brookfield: $31.26 per hour
- Hudson: $32.45 per hour
Those willing to commute to Brookfield or Hudson may benefit from higher pay rates compared to Milwaukee itself.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Milwaukee?
Several key factors influence how much a Kitchen Manager earns in Milwaukee.
- Experience and Leadership Skills: More experienced Kitchen Managers with proven leadership abilities tend to secure higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants and hotels typically pay more than casual dining or fast food establishments.
- Certifications and Training: Having relevant food safety and management certifications can boost earning potential.
- Establishment Size and Location: Larger kitchens or those in busier urban areas often have higher wage scales.
- Additional Responsibilities: Kitchen Managers who oversee multiple locations or departments may earn more.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Milwaukee
Becoming a Kitchen Manager requires a combination of culinary knowledge, experience, and management skills.
Here are some steps prospective Kitchen Managers often take:
- Complete Culinary Training: Programs such as Milwaukee Area Technical College Culinary Arts Program and Waukesha County Technical College Culinary Management Program provide strong foundations in culinary and management skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe Manager Certification and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) are highly regarded and, in the case of CFPM, required by Wisconsin law.
- Gain Work Experience: Work your way up from roles such as line cook or kitchen supervisor to acquire the needed managerial expertise.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Focus on team management, organization, and communication to succeed in kitchen leadership.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee
Several well-known hospitality groups actively hire Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee:
- Bartolotta Restaurants
- Lowlands Group
- Saz's Hospitality Group
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee Work At
Kitchen Managers are employed across a diverse range of establishments, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often offer the highest salaries, reflecting the complexity and quality standards expected.
- Casual Dining: Salaries here can be moderate, depending on the size and reputation of the establishment.
- Hotels and Resorts: These locations may offer additional benefits and higher wages due to the scope of their kitchen operations.
- Fast Casual and Quick-Service Restaurants: Kitchen Managers here may earn less but often enjoy faster career advancement opportunities.
The type and prestige of the establishment have a significant impact on a Kitchen Manager’s overall compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Milwaukee for Kitchen Managers
If you are interested in roles similar to Kitchen Manager, consider these related careers that also offer opportunities in hospitality management and culinary leadership.
These roles include Kitchen Supervisor, Restaurant Manager, and Kitchen Manager positions—all related to overseeing kitchen operations and food service success.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is essential for Kitchen Managers in Milwaukee. Useful resources include:
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Wisconsin-specific labor regulations and workforce information, see the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.