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The average annual salary of a sous chef is $48,132. Doesn’t this spike you? They even earn an average salary of $4,011 every month.
Yeah! A foodgasm can make extra with more skills and staying at a particular location. Like a pastry chef, no professional kitchen can do without a sous chef.
Meanwhile, allow us to take you on a journey to discover how much they earn in the United States, the factors affecting their salary; as well as other tidbits.
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Who is a Sous Chef?
The term “sous chef” is derived from the French word for “under.” As a result, sous chef means assistant to the head chef.
In other words, a sous chef is second in command to the executive chef in a professional kitchen.
Sous chefs ensure that all kitchen equipment is always in good condition.
What is the Role of a Sous Chef?
Assisting the executive chef comes with more workload than it seems. These chefs are responsible for performing a lot of tasks in the kitchen.
As the title implies, they run and oversee the activities in the kitchen in the absence of the executive chef
- Organizing and directing food preparation
- Coordinating and supervising the kitchen operation
- Managing a team in the absence of the head chef
- Collaboration with the restaurant’s management
What is the Average Salary of a Sous Chef?
If you are nursing the dream of becoming a sous chef in the United States, you should be interested in the average salary of this chef.
The average salary of a sous chef in the United States comes in different payment categories. The salary of this chef comes in hourly, daily, and yearly.
The average annual salary of a sous chef is $48,132. Sous chefs also earn an average salary of $4,011 every month.
In addition, a sous chef makes an average hourly pay of $23.
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Factors Affecting the Salary of a Sous Chef in the US
Before deciding if the salary for this chef is worth it or not, you need to know that there are factors that influence his salary.
These factors are why chefs like Gordon Ramsay earn the figures that intrigue you.
Factors that influence the salary of a sous chef are:
- Experience
- Location
- Size of the kitchen
- The type of food served
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in the US in 2023?
Nothing excites a potential sous chef more than knowing he can earn his dream salary.
The amount a sous chef makes in the United States mainly depends on the percentile or level. In other words, the salary range differs according to the percentile.
The table below shows the possible earnings of a sous chef in the United States by level:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $71,000 | $5,917 | $34 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,000 | $4,917 | $28 |
| Average | $48,132 | $4,011 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,000 | $3,250 | $19 |
| 10th Percentile | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15 |
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make a Year?
Although the average a sous chef can receive in the year is $48,132, the annual salary ranges from $32,000 to $71,000.
This means these chefs must fall in the salary range.
As you may have observed, the annual salary at the 10th percentile ($32,000) falls below the average salary ($48,132).
Conclusively, the annual salary of a sous chef can either be on the high or low salary scale, which is determined by their level.
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What is the Monthly Salary of a Sous Chef?
Let me guess; the monthly salary is the first piece of information you must have sought in getting to know about the earnings of this chef.
The monthly salary of this chef falls between $2,667 and $5,917. In addition, the salary of this chef can either fall below the average monthly pay ($4,011) or way above it.
The salary difference is due to the level the sous chef occupies.
For instance, a sous chef just beginning his career can’t be expected to earn as much as one with ten years of experience in the field.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in an Hour?
Sous chefs in the United States earn an hourly pay of $23. However, the salary range is between $15 and $34, depending on the percentile.
Simply put, there is a salary distinction between sous chefs occupying the different levels, which are entry-level and senior-level.
In other words, the salary of an entry-level will differ from the amount his colleagues at the senior-level earn.
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Salary of Sous Chef in the US Based on Location
As you already know, location is a major key player in determining how much a sous chef makes in the United States.
Hence, what he earns in one location may not be the same as what he can earn in another.
Therefore, if his workplace falls in a location with a high salary, he is bound to earn more and vice versa.
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What are the Highest-Paying States in the United States for Sous Chef Jobs?
You might also be interested in learning about the highest-paying states for sous chefs.
While getting to know about their average salary, going a step further in identifying the states that pay these chefs the most.
This knowledge can aid your decision on the choice of state to opt for if you change states.
From the information displayed above, the following are the best-paying states for sous chefs in the United States:
| State | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate |
| Hawaii | $68,368 | $32.87 |
| New Jersey | $66,518 | $31.98 |
| Massachusetts | $56,116 | $26.98 |
| Delaware | $55,632 | $26.75 |
| Vermont | $55,439 | $26.65 |
What are the Top Ten Cities with the Highest Salary for Sous Chef Jobs?
Like states, there are highest-paying cities. Hence, you will earn a high salary if your work falls within these cities.
According to zippia, the following are the highest-paying cities in the US:
| City | Average Salary | Hourly Rate |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $67,560 | $32.48 |
| Washington, DC | $55,672 | $26.47 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $54,323 | $26.12 |
| Seattle, WA | $53,706 | $25.82 |
| New York, NY | $53,085 | $25.82 |
| Chicago, IL | $51,353 | $24.69 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $49,301 | $23.70 |
| McLean, VA | $48,986 | $23.55 |
| San Francisco, CA | $59,531 | $28.62 |
| Boston, MA | $55,053 | $26.47 |
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Salary for Sous Chef in the US Based on Level
The salary of a sous chef is based on level. Therefore, the level a sous chef occupies determines his earnings at the end of the day
This chef either falls in the entry-level or senior level. There is a salary distinction between both levels.
However, senior-level sous chefs earn a higher salary than their counterparts at the entry-level.
How Much Do Sous Chefs Make Based on Entry Level?
As already established, an entry-level sous chef earns below a senior-level chef.
With this chef just starting, he earns an annual salary that often falls below the average salary yearly, every month, and by the hour.
The annual salary of a sous chef ranges from $32,000 to $48,132. Every month, he earns between $2,667 and $4,011.
The hourly range for this chef begins at $15 to $23.
Remember, these chefs stand to earn more over time when you factor in bonused and compensation.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make Based at the Senior Level?
Senior-level sous chefs in the United States earn an annual income between $59,000 and $71,000, which is higher than the average ($48,132).
This chef’s earnings range from $4,917 to $5,917. Additionally, this assistant chef makes between $28 and $34.
However, these figures are subject to change or growth with several factors.
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Salary of a Sous Chef in the US Based on Field
Sous chefs in the US can fall into different fields. The fields they eventually settle for also determine how much they will get paid.
Remember, there are different types of chefs out there. Hence, it is only natural for them to diversify.
Executive Sous Chef Salary
An executive Sous Chef manages and supervises kitchen operations as well as the kitchen team of a restaurant.
He is also responsible for planning the menu. In addition, he communicates with suppliers and manages the budget.
This chef is in charge of ensuring that the operations in the kitchen run smoothly.
According to payscale, the average annual salary for an executive sous chef is $57,718.
The annual salary for this assistant chef falls between $53,263 and $59,615.
Junior Sous Chef Salary
A junior sous chef is a position that is higher than that of an entry-level cook. A junior sous chef mainly assists an executive chef.
This chef is assigned more responsibilities than other entry-level chefs for mostly showing more dedication.
They run their kitchen daily, which includes creating menus, purchasing ingredients, and supervising the work of line cooks.
You must have been wondering how much a junior sous chef makes. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered.
The average annual salary of a junior sous chef is $46,477.In addition, it ranges from $31,074 and $58,796.
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Salaries of Sous Chef in the Top Industries in the US
Looking out for the top industries for sou chef jobs isn’t bad. Who knows? You might land a job in one of those companies.
According to zippia, the following companies pay sous chefs the most in the United States:
Salary of Similar Professions in the United States
Over the next couple of years, you may want a different profession similar to a sous chef. Therefore, you must know about these professions and salary.
You can find some of these similar professions below:
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Are There Other Benefits of Being a Sous Chef Aside from the Salary?
The answer to this question is yes. It is a fact that benefits other than the salary make the job or position appealing.
These benefits, to an extent, ensure job satisfaction. Some of these benefits include:
- Dental coverage
- Health insurance
- Job and career diversity
What are the Job Prospects For Sous Chefs?
The outlook for this job in the United States shows potential. According to statistics, the number of sous chefs will increase by 11% over the next ten years.
So get ready for a variety of opportunities in this field.
Conclusion
Now you have your wish – the salary of a sous chef. If you mean to pursue a career as a sous chef, you are likely to earn some of the figures displayed above.
It’s your choice to decide if the salary of a sous chef in the United States is equivalent to the culinary skills they offer. Well, the ball is in your court.
We hope this article satisfied your curiosity. For feedback, reach us through the comment section. You are only a click away from more related articles @ makedailyprofit.com.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sous Chef Salary
What is the Difference Between a Chef and a Sous Chef?
Chefs are kitchen supervisors in charge of payroll, food expenses, employee management, menu planning, and everything else in the kitchen.
On the other hand, a sous chef is an executive chef’s assistant.
Is a Sous Chef a Good Career?
Sous chef is an excellent career choice for anyone who enjoys cooking and wants to pursue it professionally.
What is the Highest Chef Title?
The highest chef title is the executive chef.
How Many Years Does it Take to Become a Chef?
Culinary programs can run from one to four years. By accumulating additional years of experience in commercial kitchens, you may be able to advance to the position of head chef.
How Many Hours Does a Sous Chef Work?
Sous chefs put in at least 40 hours per week, if not more, in fine-dining restaurants
FAQs
What is the difference between a chef and a sous chef?
Chefs are kitchen supervisors in charge of payroll, food expenses, employee management, menu planning, and everything else in the kitchen.
A sous chef, on the other hand, is an executive chef’s assistant
Is a sous chef a good career?
Sous chef is an excellent career choice for anyone who enjoys cooking and wants to pursue it professionally.
What is the highest chef title?
The highest chef title is the executive chef.
How many years does it take to become chef?
Culinary programs can run from one to four years. By accumulating additional years of experience in commercial kitchens, you may be able to advance to the position of head chef.
How many hours does a sous chef work?
Sous chefs put in at least 40 hours per week, if not more, in fine-dining restaurants
References
- zippia.com – Average Sous Chef Salary
- payscale.com – Average Executive Sous Chef Salary
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