Sous Chef Salary in Irvine, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Sous Chef make in Irvine, CA?

The average salary for a Sous Chef is $65,132 per year in Irvine, CA.

A Sous Chef in Irvine, CA, earns a good salary. On average, they make about $65,000 per year. This is higher than the national average for Sous Chefs. The salary can vary based on experience and the type of restaurant. Some Sous Chefs earn more if they work in a high-end restaurant or have many years of experience.

Factors that can affect a Sous Chef's salary in Irvine include:

  • Years of experience
  • Type of cuisine
  • Restaurant size
  • Location within Irvine

Sous Chefs who work in popular areas or high-end restaurants often earn more. This is because these places can pay higher salaries to attract skilled chefs.

Sous Chef jobs in Irvine, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Sous Chef near Irvine, CA?

Job seekers looking for Sous Chef positions near Irvine, CA, will find competitive salaries in nearby cities. Costa Mesa, CA, offers the highest average salary at $73,526. Newport Beach, CA, follows closely with $69,402. These figures make these cities attractive options for culinary professionals seeking better pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Sous Chef jobs near Irvine, CA, highlighting Costa Mesa, CA with the highest at $73,526 and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA with the lowest at $61,200.
  1. Costa Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $73,526
    In Costa Mesa, culinary excellence thrives. Sous chefs here work in vibrant restaurants, crafting dishes that delight. Notable places include The Black Pearl and The Boathouse.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  2. Newport Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $69,402
    Newport Beach offers a dynamic environment for culinary professionals. Sous chefs here create innovative menus. Popular spots include The Press and The Sandpiper.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Newport Beach, CA


  3. Anaheim, CA
    Average Salary: $68,341
    Anaheim's culinary scene is bustling. Sous chefs here manage kitchen operations smoothly. Key employers include Disneyland Resort and The Grove.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Anaheim, CA


  4. Laguna Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $67,712
    Laguna Beach provides a serene setting for culinary creativity. Sous chefs here focus on fresh, local ingredients. Restaurants like The Cottage and The Beachcomber offer great opportunities.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Laguna Beach, CA


  5. Garden Grove, CA
    Average Salary: $64,502
    Garden Grove's diverse community supports a rich culinary culture. Sous chefs here work in various types of eateries. Notable places include The Original Farmers Market and The Garden Grove Hotel.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Garden Grove, CA


  6. Laguna Niguel, CA
    Average Salary: $64,000
    Laguna Niguel offers a peaceful environment for culinary professionals. Sous chefs here emphasize quality and presentation. Restaurants like The Niguel Inn and The Village Inn are prominent.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Laguna Niguel, CA


  7. Orange, CA
    Average Salary: $63,537
    Orange's culinary scene is vibrant and growing. Sous chefs here manage busy kitchens. Key employers include The Old Orange Grove and The Orange County Convention Center.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Orange, CA


  8. Tustin, CA
    Average Salary: $62,917
    Tustin provides a supportive environment for culinary excellence. Sous chefs here work in family-owned restaurants. Notable places include The Tustin Market and The Tustin Cafe.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Tustin, CA


  9. Fullerton, CA
    Average Salary: $61,973
    Fullerton's culinary scene is diverse and dynamic. Sous chefs here innovate with seasonal ingredients. Restaurants like The Fullerton Hotel and The Fullerton Museum offer great opportunities.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Fullerton, CA


  10. Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
    Average Salary: $61,200
    Rancho Santa Margarita offers a sophisticated culinary environment. Sous chefs here focus on fine dining. Notable places include The Ranch Market and The Ranch Restaurant.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Sous Chef in Irvine, CA?

Job seekers looking for Sous Chef positions in Irvine, CA, can find excellent opportunities with top-paying companies. Hyatt offers an average salary of $83,317, making it a leading choice. Marriott International follows closely with an average salary of $82,167. These companies provide competitive pay and a chance to grow in a dynamic culinary environment.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Sous Chef jobs in Irvine, CA, highlighting Hyatt with the highest at $83,317 and Brookdale Senior Living with the lowest at $44,820.
  1. Hyatt
    Average Salary: $83,317
    Hyatt offers exciting Sous Chef positions in Irvine, CA. They provide a dynamic kitchen environment and opportunities for career growth. Hyatt operates luxury hotels worldwide.


  2. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $82,167
    Marriott International has Sous Chef roles in Irvine, CA. They offer a supportive team and a chance to work in upscale dining. Marriott runs hotels and resorts globally.


  3. Puesto
    Average Salary: $72,600
    Puesto provides Sous Chef jobs in Irvine, CA. They focus on a modern, casual dining experience. Puesto operates several restaurants in California.


  4. North Italia
    Average Salary: $70,786
    North Italia offers Sous Chef positions in Irvine, CA. They emphasize Italian cuisine and a family-friendly atmosphere. North Italia has locations across the United States.


  5. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $63,000
    Bon Appétit has Sous Chef jobs in Irvine, CA. They provide a diverse culinary experience. Bon Appétit manages dining services in various sectors, including schools and hospitals.


  6. Kisco Senior Living, LLC
    Average Salary: $62,000
    Kisco Senior Living, LLC offers Sous Chef roles in Irvine, CA. They focus on providing quality meals for seniors. Kisco operates senior living communities in California.


  7. Eurest
    Average Salary: $54,000
    Eurest provides Sous Chef positions in Irvine, CA. They offer a chance to work in a variety of settings. Eurest manages food services for businesses and institutions.


  8. Brookdale Senior Living
    Average Salary: $44,820
    Brookdale Senior Living offers Sous Chef jobs in Irvine, CA. They focus on providing meals for seniors. Brookdale operates senior living communities across the United States.

Currently 4,151 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
4,151 Job Openings