Sous Chef Salary in San Jose, CA

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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How much does a Sous Chef make in San Jose, CA?

The average salary for a Sous Chef is $71,881 per year in San Jose, CA.

Sous Chefs in San Jose, CA can expect a competitive salary. The average yearly income for a Sous Chef in this area is around $71,881. This amount reflects a healthy earning potential for those in this culinary role.


Salaries range widely based on experience and expertise. Entry-level positions may start at about $38,250, while more experienced Sous Chefs can earn up to $110,000 annually. The distribution of salaries shows that many professionals find themselves in the middle, with many making around $70,864 to $89,432.


San Jose, with its growing food scene, offers exciting opportunities for Sous Chefs. As you gain experience and develop your skills, your earning potential can increase significantly in this vibrant job market.

View Sous Chef Jobs in San Jose, CA

What are the highest paying cities for Sous Chef near San Jose, CA?

Atherton, CA tops the list for highest paying cities for Sous Chef jobs near San Jose, offering an impressive average salary of $116,695. Following closely are Los Altos and Stanford, with average salaries of $80,459 and $79,177, respectively. These cities present excellent opportunities for culinary professionals looking to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Sous Chef jobs near San Jose, CA, highlighting Atherton, CA with the highest at $116,695 and Sunnyvale, CA with the lowest at $69,049.
  1. Atherton, CA
    Average Salary: $116,695
    Working as a chef in Atherton offers a chance to be part of a vibrant culinary scene. The area is known for its upscale dining options and emphasizes fresh, local ingredients.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Atherton, CA


  2. Los Altos, CA
    Average Salary: $80,459
    Los Altos features a welcoming community with numerous farm-to-table restaurants. Here, you can collaborate with innovative chefs and create dishes that reflect the area's rich culinary diversity.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Los Altos, CA


  3. Stanford, CA
    Average Salary: $79,177
    In Stanford, chefs find a unique opportunity to work in an educational environment. The area's dining facilities emphasize sustainable practices, allowing you to showcase your skills in a progressive kitchen.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Stanford, CA


  4. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $78,119
    Menlo Park boasts a mix of traditional and modern dining establishments. Chefs can enjoy a creative environment and connect with tech professionals who appreciate high-quality cuisine.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  5. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $76,997
    Mountain View is famous for its tech influence and diverse population. As a chef, you'll cater to a wide variety of tastes and preferences, making every day exciting in the kitchen.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Mountain View, CA


  6. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $76,076
    Palo Alto is a culinary hotspot with many opportunities to work in upscale restaurants. Chefs here benefit from an innovative food culture and access to fresh, local produce.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  7. Morgan Hill, CA
    Average Salary: $73,778
    Morgan Hill offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a focus on family-friendly dining. Chefs in this area can create welcoming dishes that reflect the local culture and community spirit.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Morgan Hill, CA


  8. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $72,003
    Santa Clara hosts a vibrant mix of dining experiences influenced by various cultures. As a chef, you'll explore new flavors and techniques while serving a diverse clientele.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Los Gatos, CA
    Average Salary: $69,178
    In Los Gatos, chefs can enjoy a blend of beautiful scenery and a friendly community. The local dining scene embraces fresh ingredients, allowing for creativity in every dish.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Los Gatos, CA


  10. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $69,049
    Sunnyvale stands out with its diverse culinary landscape. Chefs will find inspiration from various cultures and can enjoy experimenting with innovative recipes in a supportive environment.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

What are the best paying companies for Sous Chef in San Jose, CA?

In San Jose, CA, top companies are offering impressive salaries for Sous Chef positions. Hilton leads the pack with an average salary of $104,259, followed closely by Sodexo at $101,536. Other notable employers include The Chef Agency and Hotel Valencia Santana Row, with salaries ranging from $86,000 to $88,000, making this a promising market for culinary professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Sous Chef jobs in San Jose, CA, highlighting Hilton with the highest at $104,259 and Bon Appetit with the lowest at $80,375.
  1. Hilton
    Average Salary: $104,259
    Hilton is known for providing a great work environment for Sous Chefs. They focus on guest satisfaction and culinary excellence. Opportunities are available in several locations across San Jose, where the company ensures high standards in food quality.


  2. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $101,536
    Sodexo offers Sous Chef positions in diverse settings, including corporate dining and healthcare facilities. The company values innovation in cuisine and provides a supportive work culture in San Jose locations.


  3. the Chef Agency
    Average Salary: $87,833
    The Chef Agency connects Sous Chefs with various high-end clients and events in San Jose. They provide flexible work arrangements and opportunities for skill enhancement through diverse culinary experiences.


  4. Hotel Valencia Santana Row
    Average Salary: $86,375
    At Hotel Valencia Santana Row, Sous Chefs enjoy a vibrant atmosphere focused on upscale dining. The hotel's culinary team emphasizes creativity and quality in their dishes, making it a rewarding place to work.


  5. Maggiano's Little Italy
    Average Salary: $86,250
    Maggiano's Little Italy is known for its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine. Sous Chefs at this location in San Jose work in a dynamic kitchen environment, creating classic dishes that delight guests.


  6. Aramark
    Average Salary: $82,967
    Aramark serves a wide range of clients, including schools and hospitals. Sous Chefs at this company contribute to menus that focus on nutrition and flavor, while enjoying a supportive team environment in San Jose.


  7. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $82,383
    Oak View Group operates in the food and hospitality industry. They hire Sous Chefs to support large events and teams in venues across San Jose, allowing for creativity and growth in the culinary field.


  8. Chartwells Higher Education
    Average Salary: $82,333
    Chartwells focuses on providing excellent dining experiences at universities. Sous Chefs in San Jose work with fresh ingredients and cater to diverse student needs, all while gaining valuable experience.


  9. DoorDash
    Average Salary: $82,000
    DoorDash offers unique opportunities for Sous Chefs to innovate in food delivery and culinary service. Working in San Jose, chefs contribute to a fast-growing company with an emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction.


  10. Bon Appetit
    Average Salary: $80,375
    Bon Appetit is dedicated to serving fresh, seasonal dishes. Sous Chefs at this company work in various locations in San Jose, joining a team that values sustainability and culinary creativity.

There are 6,475 Sous Chef job openings nationwide!

How's the job market for a Sous Chef in the US?

Learn what a Sous Chef does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Sous Chef today.
Position
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Sous Chef
6,475 Job Openings
Understanding the Sous Chef Role & How to Become One | ReadySetHire