Kitchen Manager Salary in San Diego, CA
Kitchen Managers in San Diego, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $33.22 per hour, which translates to about $1,328.80 per week, $5,758.13 per month, and $69,097.60 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in San Diego is growing steadily at about 2% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the food service industry within the region.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in San Diego, CA?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in San Diego varies by experience level. Below is a breakdown to give you a clearer picture of potential earnings across entry, mid, and top-tier professionals.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $27.36 | $1,094.40 | $4,723.20 | $56,870.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $31.59 | $1,263.60 | $5,460.40 | $65,707.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $37.78 | $1,511.20 | $6,529.07 | $78,374.40 |
Do Kitchen Managers in San Diego Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers typically do not earn tips as their role primarily involves overseeing kitchen operations rather than direct customer service. Their compensation generally comes from a salary or hourly wage.
Kitchen Manager Salary in San Diego vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers earn an average of about $31.40 per hour, which amounts to approximately $65,312 per year.
Compared to this, Kitchen Managers in San Diego earn slightly above the national average with an hourly wage of $33.22 and a yearly income of about $69,097.60.
This higher pay can be attributed to San Diego's cost of living, industry demand, and competitive culinary market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Diego for Kitchen Managers
Nearby areas to San Diego offer varied pay rates for Kitchen Managers, often reflecting local market conditions:
- La Jolla: $43.75 per hour
- Chula Vista: $36.95 per hour
La Jolla stands out as the highest-paying nearby area, offering significantly greater hourly rates than San Diego itself, which can be attractive for professionals willing to commute.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in San Diego?
Several factors can influence a Kitchen Manager's salary in San Diego:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Kitchen Managers with proven leadership and culinary expertise earn higher wages.
- Establishment Type: Working in upscale restaurants, hotels, or high-demand food service operations generally pays more than casual or fast food venues.
- Skills and Certifications: Skills in inventory management, staff scheduling, cost control, and relevant certifications like food safety can boost wages.
- Location and Commute: Higher salaries in affluent or competitive areas such as La Jolla reflect local economic conditions.
- Size and Reputation of Venue: Larger establishments with multiple outlets or strong brand presence are more likely to offer better compensation.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in San Diego
Becoming a Kitchen Manager in San Diego involves a mix of education, experience, and certifications:
- Pursue Culinary Education: Enrolling in programs such as the San Diego Culinary Institute Professional Culinary Arts program or Grossmont College Culinary Arts Program provides valuable hands-on training and leadership skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Manager Certification and the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), which is required by California law, strengthen your credentials.
- Gain Practical Experience: Work your way up through positions such as Line Cook or Kitchen Supervisor to build management expertise.
- Develop Leadership and Business Skills: Effective staff management and cost control are critical for success in this role.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in San Diego
San Diego’s food scene features several employers actively recruiting skilled Kitchen Managers:
- Din Tai Fung
- Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
- The Stand Restaurants
- Sweetgreen
- Lolita's Restaurants
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in San Diego Work At
Kitchen Managers typically work in a variety of food service establishments, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These tend to offer higher salaries due to complexity and prestige.
- Casual and Fast Casual Venues: Moderate pay with often faster-paced environments.
- Hotels and Resorts: May provide higher earnings and additional benefits.
- Catering Companies and Event Spaces: Opportunities depend on event volume and clientele.
The type of establishment influences responsibilities and pay. Upscale venues usually offer greater compensation reflecting the higher expectations and complexity involved.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Diego for Kitchen Managers
If you are considering related career paths, here are some roles closely aligned with Kitchen Manager duties and salary potentials.
These include Kitchen Supervisor, Restaurant Manager, and Assistant Restaurant Manager positions, providing alternative advancement opportunities within hospitality management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in San Diego
Kitchen Managers need to be aware of local, state, and federal labor laws governing wages, hours, and workplace standards.
- For California-specific labor laws and worker rights, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- The California Employment Development Department offers resources on employment services and regulations.
- Federal labor laws and workplace rights are detailed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.