Kitchen Manager Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach, VA, in 2026, earn approximately $28.09 per hour, which translates to about $1,123.60 per week, $4,868.93 per month, and $58,427.20 per year.
The demand for Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach is growing moderately at about 2% per year, indicating a stable and steadily increasing need for skilled leadership within the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Kitchen Manager Make in Virginia Beach, VA?
The earnings of a Kitchen Manager in Virginia Beach depend on experience and skill level, with pay varying across different tiers.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.09 | $1,123.60 | $4,868.93 | $58,427.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $33.37 | $1,334.80 | $5,775.47 | $69,409.60 |
Do Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach Earn Tips?
Kitchen Managers generally do not earn tips since their responsibilities are primarily supervisory and operational behind the scenes. Their compensation mainly consists of salary or hourly wages without additional tip income.
Kitchen Manager Salary in Virginia Beach vs. National Average
On a national level, Kitchen Managers earn about $31.40 per hour and approximately $65,312 per year.
Compared to the national average, Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $28.09 and a yearly salary of $58,427.20.
Regional cost of living and local job market conditions may explain this variance.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Virginia Beach for Kitchen Managers
Nearby areas with generally higher pay for Kitchen Managers include:
- Pembroke: $31.25 per hour
- North Central: $30.50 per hour
Those commuting to Pembroke or North Central may benefit from elevated wages compared to Virginia Beach itself.
What Influences a Kitchen Manager’s Salary in Virginia Beach?
Several important factors impact how much a Kitchen Manager can earn in Virginia Beach:
- Experience: More years managing kitchens and staff lead to higher wages.
- Skills and Certifications: Expertise in areas like food safety and cost control boost earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants usually offer better compensation than casual or fast-food settings.
- Size and Location of Employer: Larger operations and those in affluent areas typically pay more.
- Education: Formal culinary or hospitality education can positively affect salary levels.
How To Become a Kitchen Manager in Virginia Beach
Becoming a successful Kitchen Manager involves developing a range of skills and educational credentials.
Several programs are helpful in preparing for this role:
- Culinary Arts Program at Tidewater Community College: This program offers comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety, preparing students for leadership roles in the food service industry.
- Hospitality Management Program at Virginia Wesleyan University: This program provides education in hospitality operations, including courses on food and beverage management, essential for aspiring Kitchen Managers.
Certifications often required or highly recommended include:
- ServSafe Manager Certification: A nationally recognized certificate focusing on food safety and sanitation.
- Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM): Required by Virginia law for at least one person in charge during food service operations, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
Top Employers Hiring Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach
Some leading employers currently seeking Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach include:
- Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
- Chick-fil-A
- Lunasea
Establishments That Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach Work At
Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach work in a variety of establishments such as:
- Casual Restaurants: These venues may offer moderate salaries but provide opportunities for growth and experience.
- Fast Casual Chains: Such establishments emphasize efficiency and consistency, often providing stable pay with benefits.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Here, Kitchen Managers typically earn higher wages due to the level of expertise and responsibility required.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger, upscale establishments tend to pay more in exchange for managing complex kitchen operations.
The establishment type significantly impacts the Kitchen Manager’s salary, reflecting differences in expectations and customer base.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Virginia Beach for Kitchen Managers
If you are considering careers related to that of a Kitchen Manager, the following roles may be of interest:
These include Kitchen Supervisor, Head Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, all of which share some overlap in skills and leadership responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach
Kitchen Managers in Virginia Beach should be familiar with local labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and proper management of their employment terms.
- For information on Virginia's labor laws, visit the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry website.
- For federal tax information and resources, consult the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.