Kitchen Manager Salary in Tucson, AZ
Kitchen Managers in Tucson, AZ in 2025 earn approximately $20.50 per hour, which translates to about $820.00 per week, $3,553.33 per month, and $42,640.00 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Tucson is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding market for culinary leadership roles in the region.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Tucson, AZ?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Tucson varies depending on experience and employer type. Below is a breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $39,520.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.50 | $820.00 | $3,520.83 | $42,640.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.50 | $900.00 | $3,900.00 | $46,800.00 |
Do Kitchen Managers in Tucson Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers generally do not earn tips as their role primarily involves overseeing kitchen operations rather than direct customer service. Their earnings are mostly from wages or salary alone.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Tucson vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers earn an average of around $21.00 per hour, which corresponds to about $43,680.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Kitchen Managers in Tucson earn slightly less hourly at $20.50, or $42,640.00 annually. This small difference reflects regional cost of living and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Tucson for Kitchen Managers
Nearby areas offer marginally higher pay for Kitchen Managers:
- Downtown Tucson: $21.50 per hour
- Catalina Foothills: $22.00 per hour
Kitchen Managers commuting to Catalina Foothills can expect to earn the highest local wages compared to Tucson itself.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Tucson?
Experience and expertise play a crucial role; seasoned Kitchen Managers with years of supervisory skills tend to command higher salaries.
Skills and certifications, particularly in food safety and management, are highly valued and can boost earnings.
The type of establishment matters; luxury hotels or fine dining restaurants often pay more than casual or fast-food settings.
Size of the kitchen and staff the manager oversees impacts salary, with larger teams warranting higher pay.
Finally, local economic conditions and cost of living in Tucson influence wage levels overall.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Tucson
To become a Kitchen Manager in Tucson, consider the following pathways:
- Obtain formal culinary education such as the Pima Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers practical and theoretical kitchen management skills.
- Pursue hospitality management studies like the University of Arizona Hospitality Management Program to develop leadership capabilities in food service operations.
- Earn key certifications such as the ServSafe Manager Certification and the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), required in Arizona, enhancing knowledge of food safety protocols.
- Gain experience in kitchen roles such as cook or assistant manager positions to build operational and supervisory proficiency.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Tucson
Several prominent employers in Tucson consistently hire Kitchen Managers, including:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Tucson Work At
Kitchen Managers in Tucson find work across various establishment types, including:
- Fast Food Chains: Offer steady hours but generally lower salary scales.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide a balance of salary and work environment.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Tend to pay higher salaries due to complexity and experience required.
- Hotels and Resorts: Can offer higher pay and additional benefits.
The type of establishment significantly impacts salary, with upscale and larger venues typically offering better compensation and opportunities for career growth.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Tucson for Kitchen Managers
Kitchen Managers often have related career options in the hospitality and culinary fields. Here are similar roles worth considering:
These positions include Head Chef, Chef, and Restaurant Manager roles, each requiring related skills and offering different salary potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Tucson
Kitchen Managers should be informed about applicable labor laws and tax regulations at both federal and state levels.
- For federal labor standards and statistics, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
- Arizona-specific labor laws and regulations are available on the State of Arizona's official website.