Kitchen Manager Salary in the United States

The average Kitchen Manager salary in the U.S. is $56,460 per year. Discover how to negotiate a higher salary to maximize your earning potential by reading through this guide.

Additionally, we'll explore why this position is one of the highest-paying restaurant jobs and everything else you should know about Kitchen Manager salaries.

Before diving in, try our comparison tool below to see how your current or desired Kitchen Manager salary measures up against those in major U.S. cities.

How Much Do Kitchen Managers Make in the US?

As mentioned, the average base salary* for Kitchen Managers is $56,460 per year. This translates to approximately $4,705 per month or $1,085.60 per week.

Kitchen Managers usually receive a fixed salary rather than hourly wages, given that they hold a managerial position that involves overseeing kitchen operations and managing back-of-house staff.

However, your actual pay structure as a Kitchen Manager will depend on the establishment where you work. In most larger restaurants and hotels, salaried Kitchen Managers receive weekly or monthly pay, while some smaller or independent restaurants might offer hourly wages.

* Based on data calculated using our salary estimate methodology

Average Kitchen Manager Salary Per State or District

Kitchen Manager salaries can vary depending on the area you work in.

For example, the District of Columbia, Washington and Massachusetts pay the highest average Kitchen Manager salaries, while Arkansas, Florida and West Virginia are among the lowest-paying states.

Check Your Take-Home Pay in Every State as a Kitchen Manager

Use our Paycheck Calculator to know just how much you get at the end of the day, minus all local, state and federal taxes and other deductions. Input your salary, choose the state you work in and choose the pay frequency.

Check out the table below to discover the average Kitchen Manager salary for each state. You can also sort the items from highest average salary to lowest or in alphabetical order.

Cities With High Average Kitchen Manager Salaries

Huge metropolitan cities usually have higher average Kitchen Manager salaries than other locations in the U.S.

For example, New York City is among the highest-paying cities, with an average salary of $66,760 per year, which is 18% higher than the nationwide average.

How To Negotiate a Higher Salary as a Kitchen Manager

Kitchen management is already considered one of the highest positions in the restaurant and hospitality scene. So, to increase your chances of securing the salary you deserve, check out the following salary negotiation steps.

1. Determine your worth as a Kitchen Manager

As mentioned above, states can have different average Kitchen Manager salaries. Whether you work in the capital, a small town, the state of Mississippi or the city of Chicago can affect your pay.

You can also check the average pay for this job title in your current company or the one that you’re applying for. If it’s a large establishment, check if they offer salaries higher than industry standards.

Most importantly, specify the number of people you’ve led, your specializations, high-volume kitchen experience and more. Put your achievements and other initiatives in writing.

If you understand your value and know how to back it up, you can be more prepared for salary negotiations.

2. Find the best timing

One of the best chances at negotiating a salary is just before you sign on with the employer. However, if you’d like to negotiate a higher salary with your current employer, then it’s best to request it during your next Kitchen Manager performance review or appraisal.

Of course, you’d also want to request this at a time when you have consistently performed up to your employer’s standards. You may also want to consider negotiating a higher salary when the financial status of your establishment is stable.

3. Sell your skills and experience

Let your employer know about your value as a Kitchen Manager. Make sure you practice beforehand and mention specific instances where you displayed your skills. Describe your talent for building a strong team and keeping a kitchen running smoothly.

4. Check for benefits other than your Kitchen Manager salary

Salary isn’t everything. To make sure you’re getting the best package in the long run, check the compensation package that a Kitchen Manager job offers on top of the base salary.

This includes job benefits like health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans and even performance bonuses.

Also, keep in mind that although shift differential is not required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), many employers extend extra compensation for employees working on holidays, nights or weekends.

Since these are common working hours for Kitchen Managers, make sure you ask about the shift differential.

5. Get everything in writing

Remember to get the pay raise, benefits and your updated Kitchen Manager job description in writing before you completely end the negotiation.

You should do this to avoid any confusion and protect yourself and your employer.

Average Kitchen Manager Salary Compared to Other Managerial-Level Roles

Compare the Kitchen Manager role with other similar restaurant jobs and explore your options.