Image that illustrates Kitchen manager

Kitchen manager

41 600 kr

Large household supervisors

36 400 - 45 400 kr / month

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Kitchen manager

Average salary 41 600 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 42 400 kr

What does a kitchen manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A kitchen manager is responsible for leading and organizing work in larger kitchens, often within public organizations such as schools, hospitals, or elderly care homes. Tasks include menu planning, purchasing ingredients, staff management, and quality assurance of meals. The role also involves responsibility for finances, work environment, and ensuring compliance with food safety laws and regulations. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, clear routines, and close collaboration with both kitchen staff and other parts of the organization.

Salary development over time

The salary for kitchen managers has been stable but shows a slight upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 SEK, with a marginal increase to 39 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has increased to 41 600 SEK, representing approximately a 4% increase over two years. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified leaders in large kitchens, as well as rising expectations regarding work environment, special diets, and quality. Additionally, educational level is expected to positively influence salaries, especially in the public sector where post-secondary qualifications are valued.

Kitchen manager salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,400 SEK/month (men), 36,600 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 45,400 SEK/month (men), 43,200 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 250 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn an average of 42 400 SEK/month. Specific data on men is not available.
  • Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences is not available.

Education and qualifications

To work as a kitchen manager, a high school diploma in catering and food services is usually required, preferably supplemented with post-secondary courses or vocational training. Practical experience in a kitchen environment and leadership is often a prerequisite, and many employers value documented competence in food hygiene and finance. Some workplaces also require certifications in special diets or allergy management.

  • High school education: Catering and food services, 3 years
  • Post-secondary education: Vocational college or equivalent, 1–2 years
  • Certifications: Food hygiene, special diets, allergy management
  • Practical experience: Several years of experience in large kitchens is advantageous
  • Leadership courses: Recommended for increased responsibility

A kitchen manager often works with special diets and adaptations for various guests' needs, which requires both creativity and extensive knowledge of food and nutrition. Collaboration with dietitians is common, providing opportunities for continuous professional development and variety in tasks.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

A kitchen manager is often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized meals, and opportunities for professional development through the employer. Other common compensations include shift allowances for working unsociable hours, pension contributions, and sometimes extra vacation days or staff perks linked to the public sector.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a kitchen manager varies depending on region and employer, but demand is generally stable due to the large need for qualified leaders in the public sector. Challenges in the role include increased requirements for special diets, budget management, and leading staff with diverse backgrounds and experience. The ability to quickly adapt to new laws and routines is crucial for success, especially during times when resources may be limited.

Tips for aspiring kitchen managers

To succeed as a kitchen manager, it’s beneficial to develop leadership skills and flexibility, as workdays are often busy and require quick decision-making. A structured approach to planning and budgeting facilitates smooth operations, while good communication skills help motivate and train staff. Being attentive to both guests' and employees' needs creates a safe work environment and good results. Engagement in food and nutrition issues adds value and enhances the professional role. Staying updated on food safety laws and regulations is essential to ensure quality and safety. Curiosity and willingness to learn new things make the profession more rewarding and meaningful.

Key facts about kitchen managers

  • Education level: High school or post-secondary education recommended
  • Work environment: Large kitchens in the public sector, often fast-paced
  • Demand: 123 registered job openings in Sweden
  • Special skills: Food hygiene, special diets, staff management
  • Typical employment: Full-time, daytime with some exceptions

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for kitchen managers to advance to overall responsibility within larger kitchen units, become head of catering, or move into operations management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook is good, with stable demand and several vacancies nationwide. The role can also develop into consulting, training staff, or specializing in areas such as diet food or sustainable food production. Continued skills development and increased digitalization of kitchen operations are expected to positively influence the profession in the future.

Common questions about kitchen managers

  • What does a kitchen manager earn?
    - A kitchen manager has an average monthly salary of 41 600, with variations depending on experience and education.
  • What is required to become a kitchen manager?
    - Usually, a high school diploma in catering and food services along with experience in large kitchens and leadership.
  • Are there differences in salaries between men and women?
    - Women earn an average of 42 400 SEK/month. Specific data on men is not available, but the highest and lowest salaries differ slightly.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - Demand is stable, with 123 job openings registered in Sweden.
  • Which workplaces hire kitchen managers?
    - Common workplaces include schools, hospitals, elderly care homes, and other public organizations.
  • What development opportunities are available?
    - Opportunities include roles such as head of catering, operations manager, or specialized positions within food and nutrition.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Kitchen manager is 45400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Kitchen manager is 36400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 36600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
Snitt 41400 kr 41600 kr
Salary per sector
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Kitchen manager has the SSYK code 3452, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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