Position
Salary

How much does a Sous Chef make?

The average salary for a Sous Chef is $58,243 per year in the US.

A Sous Chef plays a key role in the kitchen, helping the head chef manage daily operations. This position often comes with a rewarding salary. On average, a Sous Chef earns around $58,243 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of restaurant.

Sous Chefs can expect to earn more as they gain experience. Entry-level Sous Chefs might start at around $32,000. With a few years of experience, salaries can rise to about $54,545. Top earners, often with significant experience and in high-end restaurants, can make up to $94,000 annually. This range shows that hard work and dedication can lead to a higher salary over time.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Sous Chef?

Sous Chefs in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country, averaging around $75,303 annually. Los Angeles, CA, and Boston, MA, follow closely with average salaries of $73,585 and $70,546, respectively. These cities offer competitive pay and vibrant culinary scenes, making them attractive for Sous Chefs seeking rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Sous Chef jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $75,303 and Worcester, MA with the lowest at $63,968.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $75,303
    In San Francisco, culinary excellence is a must. Sous chefs here work in top-tier restaurants, focusing on innovative dishes. Companies like Zuni Café and The French Laundry offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $73,585
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant food scene. Sous chefs here enjoy a diverse culinary environment. Restaurants like Bestia and Guelaguetza provide dynamic work experiences.
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  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $70,546
    Boston's rich culinary history makes it a great place for aspiring chefs. Sous chefs here work in historic and modern restaurants alike. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and O Ya offer unique experiences.
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  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $70,110
    San Jose's tech-savvy environment brings a fresh twist to the culinary world. Sous chefs here blend innovation with tradition. Restaurants like Farmstead and The Farm at 17th offer exciting roles.
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  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $69,519
    Seattle's love for fresh seafood makes it a fantastic place for culinary professionals. Sous chefs here focus on creating delicious seafood dishes. Restaurants like Canlis and The Pink Door offer great opportunities.
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  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $68,870
    Washington, DC, offers a mix of traditional and modern dining. Sous chefs here work in high-profile restaurants. Companies like The Dabney and Founding Farmers provide dynamic work environments.
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  7. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $67,844
    Chicago's diverse food scene is a dream for culinary enthusiasts. Sous chefs here enjoy a mix of classic and modern cuisine. Restaurants like Alinea and Girl & The Goat offer exciting opportunities.
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  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $64,830
    San Diego's sunny climate and fresh ingredients make it a great place for chefs. Sous chefs here focus on creating vibrant and healthy dishes. Restaurants like The Fish Market and The Cottage offer unique experiences.
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  9. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $64,586
    Miami's multicultural influence brings a vibrant twist to the culinary world. Sous chefs here enjoy a mix of Latin and international flavors. Restaurants like Versailles and Zuma offer exciting roles.
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  10. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $63,968
    Worcester offers a mix of traditional and modern dining. Sous chefs here work in a variety of settings. Restaurants like The Butcher Shop and The Fenwick offer unique experiences.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Worcester, MA

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying Sous Chef positions can consider companies like Citarella, Inn at Little Washington, and The Smith Restaurant. These companies offer competitive salaries, with average earnings around $118,000, $100,000, and $98,093 respectively. Other notable employers include 1 Hotels, EVANS HOTELS, and Water Grill, all providing attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Sous Chef jobs, highlighting Citarella with the highest at $118,000 and Soho House & Co. with the lowest at $81,891.
  1. Citarella
    Average Salary: $118,000
    Citarella offers exciting Sous Chef roles in their stores across Maryland and Washington, D.C. They focus on fresh ingredients and high-quality food. Sous Chefs here work in a dynamic kitchen, learning from experienced chefs.


  2. Inn at Little Washington
    Average Salary: $100,000
    Located in Washington, the Inn at Little Washington provides a unique experience for Sous Chefs. They work in a historic setting, offering a chance to create gourmet dishes. The company values creativity and teamwork in its kitchen.


  3. The Smith Restaurant
    Average Salary: $98,093
    The Smith Restaurant, based in New York, offers Sous Chefs a chance to work in a high-end dining environment. They focus on innovative cuisine and exceptional service. Sous Chefs here gain valuable experience in a fast-paced kitchen.


  4. Northwell Health
    Average Salary: $90,266
    Northwell Health provides Sous Chef roles in their hospitals across New York. They focus on providing healthy and delicious meals to patients. Sous Chefs here work in a collaborative environment, ensuring quality and nutrition.


  5. 1 Hotels
    Average Salary: $87,541
    1 Hotels offers Sous Chef positions in their properties across the United States. They focus on modern cuisine and hospitality. Sous Chefs here work in stylish kitchens, contributing to the hotel's dining experience.


  6. EVANS HOTELS
    Average Salary: $85,713
    EVANS HOTELS provides Sous Chef roles in their hotels across the country. They focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere with great food. Sous Chefs here work in a team-oriented environment, ensuring guest satisfaction.


  7. Water Grill
    Average Salary: $83,816
    Water Grill offers Sous Chef positions in their restaurants across the United States. They focus on fresh seafood and innovative dishes. Sous Chefs here work in a vibrant kitchen, learning from top chefs.


  8. RH
    Average Salary: $83,546
    RH provides Sous Chef roles in their restaurants in California. They focus on modern American cuisine. Sous Chefs here work in a creative environment, contributing to the company's dining experience.


  9. Eataly
    Average Salary: $83,428
    Eataly offers Sous Chef positions in their markets across the United States. They focus on Italian cuisine and fresh ingredients. Sous Chefs here work in a lively kitchen, learning from experienced chefs.


  10. Soho House & Co.
    Average Salary: $81,891
    Soho House & Co. provides Sous Chef roles in their locations across the United States. They focus on creating a welcoming and stylish dining experience. Sous Chefs here work in a collaborative environment, ensuring quality and service.

How to earn more as a Sous Chef?

A Sous Chef plays a key role in the kitchen. They help the head chef manage the kitchen staff and ensure the food is delicious. If you want to earn more as a Sous Chef, there are several steps you can take. Focus on these important factors to increase your earning potential.

First, consider gaining more experience. Working in different types of kitchens can teach you new skills. This experience can make you more valuable to employers. Second, look for opportunities to advance. Taking on more responsibilities can lead to higher pay. Third, get certified in specialized areas like pastry or nutrition. These certifications can set you apart from other Sous Chefs. Fourth, network with other professionals in the industry. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities and salary increases. Finally, stay updated with the latest kitchen trends and techniques. This knowledge can help you perform better and earn more.

By focusing on these factors, a Sous Chef can increase their chances of earning more. Each step can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.

  1. Gain more experience in different types of kitchens.
  2. Advance by taking on more responsibilities.
  3. Get certified in specialized areas like pastry or nutrition.
  4. Network with other professionals in the industry.
  5. Stay updated with the latest kitchen trends and techniques.

Currently 2,796 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
2,796 Job Openings