Sous Chef Salary in San Jose, CA

Updated on Jan 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 $71,221 per year in San Jose, CA.

In San Jose, CA, the average yearly salary for a Sous Chef is around $71,221. This figure can vary based on experience, skills, and the specific establishment. Entry-level Sous Chefs might start around $38,000, while those with more experience can earn up to $110,000 or more.


The salary distribution shows a gradual increase with experience. For example, Sous Chefs with several years in the kitchen can see their salaries climb to the $60,000 to $80,000 range. Those in high-demand roles or prestigious restaurants often earn salaries on the higher end of the spectrum. Overall, the industry compensates experienced Sous Chefs well, reflecting the importance of their role in the culinary world.

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

Atherton, CA offers the highest average salary for Sous Chefs at $116,695, making it a prime location for culinary professionals. Following closely behind are Los Altos and Stanford, with average salaries of $80,343 and $79,177 respectively. For those seeking opportunities in the culinary field, these cities near San Jose provide excellent financial rewards.
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 $67,694.
  1. Atherton, CA
    Average Salary: $116,695
    Working as a chef in Atherton offers a chance to prepare high-quality meals for some of the Bay Area's wealthiest residents. The area has a selection of upscale private dining experiences and events.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Atherton, CA


  2. Los Altos, CA
    Average Salary: $80,343
    Los Altos provides a vibrant dining scene with many local restaurants looking for culinary talent. A chef here can enjoy a mix of traditional and innovative dishes, catering to a loyal customer base.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Los Altos, CA


  3. Stanford, CA
    Average Salary: $79,177
    At Stanford, chefs can work in an environment that values culinary excellence and creativity. The campus food services often seek skilled individuals to feed a diverse student population.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Stanford, CA


  4. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $77,927
    Menlo Park is home to various tech companies and fine dining establishments. Chefs can create exciting dishes for both corporate events and casual dining, making the culinary scene dynamic.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  5. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $76,907
    Mountain View features a wide range of restaurants that celebrate global cuisines. A chef here can work in a fast-paced environment that embraces innovation and diverse flavors.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Mountain View, CA


  6. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $75,849
    Being a chef in Palo Alto means becoming part of a thriving culinary community. The city's blend of startup culture and fine dining offers opportunities to develop unique and trendy menu items.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  7. Morgan Hill, CA
    Average Salary: $73,412
    Morgan Hill showcases a charming town atmosphere with a growing food scene. Chefs can support local farms and create seasonal menus that highlight fresh, regional ingredients.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Morgan Hill, CA


  8. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $70,938
    Santa Clara has numerous dining options thanks to its blend of cultural influences. Chefs can explore creativity by crafting dishes that appeal to a diverse population.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Los Gatos, CA
    Average Salary: $69,718
    In Los Gatos, chefs benefit from a picturesque setting and a community that appreciates quality dining. The local market scene inspires chefs to use fresh, local products.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Los Gatos, CA


  10. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $67,694
    Sunnyvale's tech-driven economy includes a variety of restaurants looking for skilled kitchen staff. Chefs here can tap into the latest culinary trends while serving an engaged community.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

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

In San Jose, CA, Sous Chefs can find some of the best-paying opportunities at top companies. Hilton leads the way with an impressive average salary of $105,206, closely followed by Sodexo at $101,536. Other notable employers include the Chef Agency and Hotel Valencia Santana Row, offering competitive salaries of $87,833 and $86,375, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Sous Chef jobs in San Jose, CA, highlighting Hilton with the highest at $105,206 and LSG Sky Chefs with the lowest at $80,772.
  1. Hilton
    Average Salary: $105,206
    Hilton offers a dynamic workplace for Sous Chefs, focusing on quality and guest experience. Locations in San Jose provide vibrant opportunities in hospitality.


  2. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $101,536
    Sodexo values innovation and sustainability. As a Sous Chef, you can work in various settings, including corporate and educational institutions in San Jose.


  3. the Chef Agency
    Average Salary: $87,833
    The Chef Agency connects skilled chefs with top venues. Sous Chefs can expect diverse roles across various locations in the San Jose area.


  4. Hotel Valencia Santana Row
    Average Salary: $86,375
    Hotel Valencia Santana Row provides an upscale dining experience. Sous Chefs here play a key role in maintaining excellent service and culinary standards.


  5. Maggiano's Little Italy
    Average Salary: $86,250
    Maggiano's offers a family-friendly environment with Italian cuisine. As a Sous Chef, you help create memorable dining experiences in San Jose.


  6. Aramark
    Average Salary: $82,967
    Aramark focuses on food services and facilities management. Sous Chefs work in various sectors, including healthcare and education, in the San Jose area.


  7. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $82,383
    Oak View Group operates venues and events. As a Sous Chef, you support high-profile events in San Jose, working in diverse culinary environments.


  8. Chartwells Higher Education
    Average Salary: $82,333
    Chartwells provides dining services to colleges. Sous Chefs play a vital role in creating healthy and delicious meals for students in San Jose.


  9. DoorDash
    Average Salary: $82,000
    DoorDash focuses on food delivery and logistics. Sous Chefs can engage in culinary innovation from various San Jose locations.


  10. LSG Sky Chefs
    Average Salary: $80,772
    LSG Sky Chefs specializes in inflight catering. As a Sous Chef, you ensure high-quality meals for airline passengers in the greater San Jose area.

There are 6,194 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.
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Sous Chef
6,194 Job Openings
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