Kitchen Manager Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
Kitchen Managers in Tuscaloosa, AL, in 2025, earn approximately $29.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,160.00 per week, $5,026.67 per month, and $60,320.00 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Tuscaloosa is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy increase in job opportunities in foodservice leadership roles within the area.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The salary of a Kitchen Manager in Tuscaloosa can vary depending on experience and work environment. Below is a breakdown of earnings at different levels of experience.
| 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 Tuscaloosa Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers generally do not earn tips since their role is focused on kitchen operations and staff oversight rather than direct customer service.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Tuscaloosa vs. National Average
Nationally, Kitchen Managers earn an average of around $27.74 per hour and approximately $57,699.20 annually.
Compared to the national average, Kitchen Managers in Tuscaloosa earn slightly more per hour and annually, reflecting local economic conditions and demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Tuscaloosa for Kitchen Managers
Within the Tuscaloosa area, pay can vary by neighborhood:
- Downtown Tuscaloosa: $30.00 per hour
- University Area: $32.00 per hour
Kitchen Managers working in the University Area tend to have the highest earning potential in proximity to Tuscaloosa.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Tuscaloosa?
Several factors impact how much a Kitchen Manager can earn in Tuscaloosa:
- Experience and Leadership Skills: More experienced Kitchen Managers with strong leadership and organizational skills typically command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Higher-end restaurants, hotels, or catering companies often pay more than fast-food or casual dining establishments.
- Size of the Kitchen and Team Managed: Managing a larger culinary team or multiple kitchen operations can result in a salary premium.
- Specialized Culinary Knowledge: Kitchen Managers with culinary certifications or expertise in specific cuisines may have better salary opportunities.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Tuscaloosa
Becoming a Kitchen Manager in Tuscaloosa typically involves a combination of practical experience and formal education.
- Culinary Arts Program at Shelton State Community College: This program offers hands-on training in food preparation, kitchen management, and culinary techniques.
- ServSafe Manager Certification: This nationally recognized certification ensures knowledge of proper food safety and sanitation practices.
- Gain Experience: Many Kitchen Managers start as cooks or kitchen supervisors, progressing through roles as they develop management skills.
- Develop Leadership Abilities: Effective team leadership and communication skills are essential to advancing in this role.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Tuscaloosa
Key employers in Tuscaloosa looking for skilled Kitchen Managers include:
- Texas Roadhouse
- Depalma's Italian Cafe
- Cook Out Restaurants
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Tuscaloosa Work At
Kitchen Managers find employment opportunities across a range of establishment types such as:
- Casual Dining: These restaurants often provide steady employment and moderate salary levels.
- Fast Casual: Typically feature quicker service and can have different wage structures but still need efficient kitchen management.
- Fine Dining and Hotels: Tend to offer higher salaries due to the complexity and scale of operations.
The type of establishment plays a significant role in salary differences, with more upscale venues generally paying premium wages to experienced Kitchen Managers.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Tuscaloosa for Kitchen Managers
If you are exploring careers related to Kitchen Manager, here are a few similar roles you might consider:
These include Head Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, and Chef positions, which share culinary and management responsibilities similar to a Kitchen Manager.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Tuscaloosa
Kitchen Managers should be knowledgeable about federal and state labor laws that govern workplace rights and tax obligations.
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for information on wage laws, working hours, and other labor regulations.
- Check the State of Alabama official website for state-specific labor laws and resources.