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Bar manager/bartender vs chef/kitchen manager

The differences between bar managers/bartender and chef/kitchen managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a chef/kitchen manager has an average salary of $49,415, which is higher than the $25,051 average annual salary of a bar manager/bartender.

The top three skills for a bar manager/bartender include wine, bartending and cleanliness. The most important skills for a chef/kitchen manager are kitchen operations, culinary, and wine.

Bar manager/bartender vs chef/kitchen manager overview

Bar Manager/BartenderChef/Kitchen Manager
Yearly salary$25,051$49,415
Hourly rate$12.04$23.76
Growth rate18%15%
Number of jobs59,78338,242
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Associate Degree, 46%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

What does a bar manager/bartender do?

A bar manager/bartender is responsible for handling daily bar operations to achieve the highest customer satisfaction. Bar manager/bartenders often interact with guests, responding to their inquiries and special requests, and immediately resolving service complaints. They also develop marketing strategies to attract guests by updating menu information and researching the latest market trends. Bar managers/bartenders also monitor inventories and stock supplies, coordinating with third-party vendors, and negotiating contracts with trusted suppliers. A bar manager/bartender must have excellent leadership skills and oversee the compliance of all staff to the bar regulations and safety standards.

What does a chef/kitchen manager do?

A kitchen manager or chef is someone who oversees the overall operations in the kitchen as well as the food operations. Kitchen managers make certain that food and related products are well prepared, cooked, and served to customers. They maintain a fully-stocked kitchen inventory and comply with the cleanliness and safety standards. It is their responsibility to manage the kitchen staff and aid them in delivering quality food at the right time. They need to possess management skills, leadership skills, and attention to detail.

Bar manager/bartender vs chef/kitchen manager salary

Bar managers/bartender and chef/kitchen managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Bar Manager/BartenderChef/Kitchen Manager
Average salary$25,051$49,415
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $36,000Between $34,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Castilleja School
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between bar manager/bartender and chef/kitchen manager education

There are a few differences between a bar manager/bartender and a chef/kitchen manager in terms of educational background:

Bar Manager/BartenderChef/Kitchen Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Associate Degree, 46%
Most common majorBusinessCulinary Arts
Most common college--

Bar manager/bartender vs chef/kitchen manager demographics

Here are the differences between bar managers/bartender' and chef/kitchen managers' demographics:

Bar Manager/BartenderChef/Kitchen Manager
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 48.5% Female, 51.5%Male, 79.9% Female, 20.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 5.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between bar manager/bartender and chef/kitchen manager duties and responsibilities

Bar manager/bartender example responsibilities.

  • Manage payroll and timekeeping including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
  • Operate large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep fryers, stoves and ovens.
  • Direct bartending operations, overseeing seamless beverage service, scheduling, inventory management and customer service.
  • Take drink and food orders, enter orders in the POS system, collect and process cash and credit card payments.
  • Use computerize registers to swipe beverage servers micros.
  • Oversee and direct staff to execute BEO's in accordance to client's needs and specifications.
  • Show more

Chef/kitchen manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage operations, orderings, and inventorying using POS & software programs.
  • Train and manage all kitchen personnel and supervise as well as coordinated all relate culinary activities.
  • Practice excellent food safety and sanitation practices and comply with HACCP standards.
  • Work both saut and roasting stations.
  • Clean and maintain kitchen, cooking line and appliances according to ServSafe standards.
  • Coordinate and plan seasonal menu s, recipes, and functions within the hotel using POS and software programs
  • Show more

Bar manager/bartender vs chef/kitchen manager skills

Common bar manager/bartender skills
  • Wine, 23%
  • Bartending, 16%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • POS, 6%
  • Cash Handling, 4%
Common chef/kitchen manager skills
  • Kitchen Operations, 23%
  • Culinary, 20%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Quality Standards, 5%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 4%
  • ServSafe, 3%

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