Kitchen Manager Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a Kitchen Manager do?
A Kitchen Manager, also referred to as a Back of House Manager, is in charge of the overall operations for the kitchen area of a restaurant. Their primary objective is to ensure the kitchen services high-quality food, runs efficiently and complies with health department regulations. Additional duties include inventory management, analyzing food costs, preparing menus, and monitoring kitchen staff such as a the executive chef, head chef, sous chefs, cooks, preparation workers, and other kitchen personal.
How much does a Kitchen Manager make?
According to Glassdoor, Kitchen Managers make a national average of $53,590 or $25.76 an hour (as of June 2022). This position is a senior level role and salaries currently range between $38,000 (25th percentile) to $94,000 (75th percentile). This wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the hospitality industry?
Similar to Front of House Managers, Kitchen Managers represent senior management and ownership to ensure the kitchen functions at a high level. They aid in revenue generation by monitoring food costs and ensuring expenses are on par with the restaurant’s bottom line.
What is the job outlook for a Kitchen Manager?
Analysts forecast that hotel revenue and food service industry revenue will grow to $950 billion and $898 billion, respectively, in 2022. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in food service management (including Kitchen Manager) are expected to grow at a rate of 15% during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- A lot of kitchen managers begin in junior roles and work their way up over time. Consider a position in a kitchen as a dishwasher or prep cook.
- Explore the NYU x Hospitality And Tourism Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Hospitality Career Guide.
Learn from:
Yvette Ly
Director of People + Culture, West Bourne & Tourism Industry Essentials contributor
Related Careers:
Kitchen Manager | Front of House Manager | Sommelier | Pastry Chef | Sous Chef | Fast Food Attendant | Cake Decorator | Barista | Bartender | Line Cook | Maître D | Host | Server | Kitchen Porter | Restaurant Manager | Dishwasher | Restaurant Owner | Busser | Catering Assistant | Commis Chef | Catering Manager
