Kitchen Manager Salary in Oak Park, IL
Kitchen Managers in Oak Park, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $30.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,200.00 per week, $5,200.00 per month, and $62,400.00 per year.
The job growth for Kitchen Managers in Oak Park is currently stagnant at 0% per year, indicating a steady and stable employment outlook without significant increases or declines in demand annually.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Oak Park, IL?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Oak Park varies depending on experience and employer, but here is a breakdown by experience level:
| 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 Oak Park Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers typically do not earn tips as their role is managerial and administrative rather than customer-facing. Their compensation generally comes from salary or wages alone.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Oak Park, IL vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers earn an average hourly wage of about $27.40, which amounts to approximately $56,992 annually.
Compared to this, Kitchen Managers in Oak Park earn a higher hourly rate of $30.00 and a yearly wage of $62,400.00, which reflects a stronger wage market in this area, possibly influenced by local cost of living and industry presence.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Oak Park for Kitchen Managers
Nearby neighborhoods offer slightly varied salaries for this role including:
- Downtown Oak Park: $32.00 per hour
- Ridgeland: $31.00 per hour
These areas provide competitive pay, potentially reflecting differences in restaurant size, clientele, and operational budgets.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Oak Park?
Multiple factors impact how much a Kitchen Manager earns in Oak Park:
- Experience and Leadership Skills: More seasoned managers with strong leadership and kitchen operations skills tend to command higher salaries.
- Type and Size of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, large hotels, or busy catering companies often results in better pay than smaller casual dining spots.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary education and certifications in food safety can boost earning potential.
- Local Market Demand: Although currently stagnant in job growth, local competition for qualified candidates can influence wages.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Oak Park, IL
To become a successful Kitchen Manager in Oak Park, consider these pathways:
- Educational Programs: Enroll in culinary arts programs like the Triton College Culinary Arts Program or specialized hospitality management courses from Kendall College at National Louis University to build foundational skills.
- Certifications: Obtain the ServSafe Food Manager Certification and the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification, both critical for managing food safety compliance.
- Gain Practical Experience: Progress from line cook or kitchen supervisor roles to gain operational expertise.
- Develop Management Skills: Focus on staff leadership, kitchen scheduling, inventory control, and budgeting.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Oak Park
Some prominent employers in Oak Park looking for Kitchen Managers include:
- Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
- The Cheesecake Factory
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Oak Park Work At
Kitchen Managers commonly work in a range of food service environments in Oak Park, including:
- Casual dining restaurants: Often smaller operations with moderate pay but opportunities for hands-on management experience.
- Fast casual chains: These establishments provide consistent workflows and often structured management training.
- Upscale and fine dining: Typically offer higher salaries due to complexity of kitchen operations and higher standards.
- Catering and banquet services: May offer opportunities for event-driven scheduling and higher earnings.
The type of establishment significantly affects salary levels due to differences in complexity, customer expectations, and operational budgets.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Oak Park for Kitchen Managers
If you're interested in roles related to Kitchen Manager, consider these similar positions:
These include Kitchen Supervisor, Restaurant Manager, and Assistant Restaurant Manager, roles that share management responsibilities in food service environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Oak Park
Kitchen Managers should be familiar with both federal and state labor regulations to ensure compliance and understand their rights and obligations.
- The U.S. Department of Labor website provides comprehensive guidance on federal labor laws.
- The Illinois Department of Employment Security website offers resources on state-specific employment laws and job market data.
- The Official Village of Oak Park website includes local regulations and community resources relevant to employment.