Position
Salary

How much does a Sous Chef make?

The average salary for a Sous Chef is $54,627 per year in the US.

Becoming a Sous Chef offers a rewarding career path with a good salary. On average, a Sous Chef earns around $54,627 each year. This varies depending on factors like location, experience, and the type of restaurant. Many Sous Chefs find their roles not only financially rewarding but also deeply satisfying.

Sous Chefs generally earn between $32,000 and $96,000 annually. The lower end of the scale reflects entry-level positions, while the upper end represents experienced Sous Chefs in high-end establishments. This range shows the potential for salary growth with experience and skill development. A Sous Chef's salary can also increase with additional certifications and specialized skills, such as culinary arts degrees or certifications from reputable culinary institutions.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Sous Chef?

Job seekers seeking high-paying Sous Chef positions will find opportunities in several top cities. San Francisco offers the highest average salary at $80,272, followed by Los Angeles and Boston with salaries around $78,329 and $75,742, respectively. These cities provide attractive compensation packages for skilled Sous Chefs.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Sous Chef jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $80,272 and Stamford, CT with the lowest at $66,851.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $80,272
    In San Francisco, culinary excellence thrives. Talented chefs lead vibrant kitchens, crafting exquisite dishes. Companies like Quince and Tartine Bakery offer top-tier opportunities.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $78,329
    Los Angeles presents an exciting culinary scene. Dynamic kitchens thrive in top restaurants like Bestia and Gjelina. Opportunities abound for those passionate about cooking.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $75,742
    Boston offers a rich culinary heritage. Talented chefs work in historic restaurants like Menton and O Ya. A perfect place for those who love classic and modern cuisine.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $73,420
    Seattle is known for its fresh seafood. Innovative chefs create delicious dishes in top restaurants. Canlis and The Pink Door offer exciting opportunities for chefs.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $72,904
    In Washington, DC, chefs enjoy a vibrant culinary environment. They work in prestigious restaurants like The Dabney and Komi. A fantastic place for culinary professionals.
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  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $71,971
    Chicago offers a dynamic food scene. Talented chefs thrive in famous restaurants like Alinea and Girl & The Goat. Great opportunities for those who love bold flavors.
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  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $68,937
    San Jose's culinary scene is vibrant. Talented chefs work in innovative kitchens. Restaurants like Plumed Horse and Fig offer exciting career paths.
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  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $68,790
    San Diego boasts a lively culinary culture. Talented chefs work in top restaurants like The Fish and 801 North. A fantastic place for those who love fresh ingredients.
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  9. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $67,474
    Las Vegas offers a bustling culinary environment. Talented chefs thrive in top restaurants like Joël Robuchon and The Venetian's Julian Serrano. Opportunities abound for ambitious chefs.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  10. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $66,851
    Stamford provides a refined culinary scene. Talented chefs work in elegant restaurants. Companies like The Restaurant at Meadowood offer great opportunities for culinary professionals.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Stamford, CT

What are the best companies a Sous Chef can work for?

THE SMITH RESTAURANT offers the highest salary for Sous Chef jobs, reaching up to $113,409 annually. Other top companies include Eleven Madison Park and DO & CO AG, where Sous Chefs can expect competitive salaries over $90,000. These companies value culinary excellence and provide great opportunities for professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Sous Chef jobs, highlighting THE SMITH RESTAURANT with the highest at $113,409 and Evans Hotels with the lowest at $85,743.
  1. THE SMITH RESTAURANT
    Average Salary: $113,409
    THE SMITH RESTAURANT offers Sous Chef roles with a focus on innovation in culinary arts. This company operates in New York City, providing a dynamic environment for chefs to thrive.


  2. Eleven Madison Park
    Average Salary: $95,208
    Eleven Madison Park is known for its exceptional service and fine dining. Sous Chefs here work in a sophisticated kitchen that prides itself on creativity and excellence.


  3. DO & CO AG
    Average Salary: $94,276
    DO & CO AG provides an international platform for Sous Chefs. The company has locations across Europe, offering unique opportunities to refine culinary skills.


  4. AJO
    Average Salary: $93,333
    AJO values traditional and innovative cooking. Sous Chefs here work in locations across Spain, collaborating in a vibrant kitchen culture.


  5. Mina Group
    Average Salary: $92,075
    The Mina Group offers a variety of positions for Sous Chefs in its restaurants. The company operates in the Middle East, providing a chance to explore diverse culinary techniques.


  6. Water Grill restaurant
    Average Salary: $91,842
    Water Grill restaurant is known for its fresh seafood. Sous Chefs here are part of a team that focuses on quality and creativity in the kitchen.


  7. 1 Hotels
    Average Salary: $91,811
    1 Hotels offers exciting Sous Chef positions across its properties. The company's locations in the U.S. provide a mix of urban and resort settings.


  8. The Inn at Little Washington
    Average Salary: $87,857
    This iconic inn provides a serene environment for Sous Chefs. Located in Virginia, it is known for its exquisite dining experience and beautiful surroundings.


  9. Montage International
    Average Salary: $86,167
    Montage International offers luxury hospitality roles for Sous Chefs. With locations in the U.S. and abroad, it provides a chance to work in stunning settings.


  10. Evans Hotels
    Average Salary: $85,743
    Evans Hotels offers a range of positions for Sous Chefs. Locations in Europe offer a mix of historic and modern dining experiences.

How to earn more as a Sous Chef?

To earn more as a Sous Chef, one should focus on several key factors. Gaining experience is crucial. More time in the kitchen leads to better skills and faster work. This improves the kitchen's efficiency.

Building a strong professional network also helps. Connecting with other chefs and industry leaders can lead to job opportunities and higher salaries. Attending culinary events and joining professional groups can make these connections.

Consider these factors to increase earning potential:

  1. Gain experience by working in different kitchen settings.
  2. Build a professional network through culinary events and groups.
  3. Pursue additional certifications in specialized cooking techniques or kitchen management.
  4. Seek opportunities to lead kitchen teams or take on more responsibility.
  5. Stay updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques to enhance skills.

Currently 2,972 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
2,972 Job Openings