Key Findings:
- There are 111,000+ Sous Chefs working in the United States.
- 23% of Sous Chefs remain with the same employer for one year or less.
- Sous Chef positions are projected to increase by 5.3% over the next decade.
- Around 48% of Sous Chefs stated they find their work highly meaningful and fulfilling.
- Men make up 82% of Sous Chefs, while women account for 18%.
- 56% of Sous Chefs in the country are above the age of 40.
- Sous Chefs earn around $56,013 per year or $4,668 per month.
We’ve compiled these Sous Chef statistics for 2025 to provide insight into the job — including employment data, demographics and salary trends. This report breaks down the numbers, offering a data-driven look at the landscape for Sous Chefs in the U.S. culinary industry.
Sous Chef Employment and Job Satisfaction
Examining Sous Chef employment across the U.S. provides a clearer view of career prospects in this essential kitchen role.
- Total employment: There are more than 111,000 Sous Chefs currently employed in the U.S.
- Number of jobs: Recent data shows there are approximately 22,393 active Sous Chef job openings across the country.
- Tenure with employers: 23% of Sous Chefs stay with the same employer for up to a year, and only 7% remain with the same employer for more than eight years.
- Growth rate: Sous Chef positions are expected to grow by 5.3% over the next 10 years. (Source)
- Career happiness: 66% of Sous Chefs feel generally happy or content with their job. Meanwhile, 48% find their work highly meaningful and rewarding. (Source)
- Qualification requirements: While many employers prefer candidates with formal culinary education, such as a culinary degree, it is also possible to get hired as a Sous Chef through extensive on-the-job training and practical experience.
Note: This article focuses specifically on Sous Chefs. For data on the broader Chef profession, check out our Statistics About Chefs report.
Demographics of Sous Chefs Working in the US
Understanding the demographics of Sous Chefs helps paint a clearer picture of who is stepping into these positions and how the workforce is evolving.
- Gender distribution: Approximately 82% of Sous Chefs are male, while only 18% are female.
- Age distribution: The majority of Sous Chefs (56%) are over 40 years old, indicating that a substantial amount of experience is often valued for this role. Meanwhile, 28% fall under the 20 to 30 age range.
- Educational attainment: The most common educational attainment for Sous Chefs is an associate’s degree, held by 51% of professionals in this role. Additionally, 24% have a bachelor’s degree and 14% hold a high school diploma.
- Racial and ethnic composition: About 55% of Sous Chefs in the U.S. identify as white, while 18% are Hispanic or Latino and 11% are Asian.
- Language skills: Approximately 49% of Sous Chefs speak Spanish as a second language, 18% speak French and 12% speak Italian.
See also: Pros and Cons of Being a Sous Chef
Statistics on Sous Chef Salary and Income
How much a Sous Chef can earn depends on several factors like their geographic location and other monetary incentives received.
- Average annual salary: Recent data shows that Sous Chefs make about $56,013 a year.
- Average monthly pay: Sous Chefs working in larger establishments are typically paid monthly, providing them fixed income regardless of the hours worked. That said, they make around $4,667.75 a month.
- Regional variations: The District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for Sous Chefs at $63,015 per year, followed by Washington at $62,578 and California at $61,531.
- Bonuses: Around 96% of Sous Chefs report receiving annual bonuses, providing an additional layer of compensation beyond their base salary. (Source)
See also: Restaurant Industry Statistics for 2025
Final Thoughts
These Sous Chef statistics for 2025 highlight steady job growth, solid career satisfaction and opportunities for advancement in the U.S. culinary and hospitality industry. Although the role comes with challenges like long hours and high turnover, it remains a vital and rewarding position for those committed to the craft.
