Sous Chef Salary in Alexandria, VA
Sous Chefs in Alexandria, VA, in 2025, earn approximately $30.41 per hour, which translates to about $1,216.40 per week, $5,271.07 per month, and $63,252.80 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Alexandria is growing steadily at about 6% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increased opportunities in the culinary field.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Alexandria, VA?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Alexandria can vary based on experience and skills. Here's a breakdown of earnings across different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $25.05 | $1,002.00 | $4,345.00 | $52,104.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $30.41 | $1,216.40 | $5,271.07 | $63,252.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $37.00 | $1,480.00 | $6,433.33 | $77,040.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Alexandria Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily focused on food preparation, kitchen management, and culinary supervision rather than direct customer service. Their earnings generally come from their salary alone.
Sous Chef Salary in Alexandria, VA vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of about $30.41 per hour, or roughly $63,252.80 annually, which exactly matches the average pay seen in Alexandria.
This parity indicates Alexandria offers competitive earnings for Sous Chefs in line with national figures, balancing local cost of living and culinary industry standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Alexandria for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas show slightly varied salaries for Sous Chefs, offering professionals options for potentially higher earnings:
- Old Town: $32.50 per hour
- Del Ray: $31.75 per hour
These neighborhoods provide just a slight increase over the average in Alexandria, reflecting localized demand and establishment types.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Alexandria?
Several factors play a role in determining the salary of a Sous Chef in Alexandria:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Sous Chefs commanding a higher level of expertise earn better salaries.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants and hotels often pay more than casual dining locations.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary certifications can improve employability and pay.
- Kitchen Size and Team: Managing larger teams or high-volume kitchens can enhance compensation.
- Local Culinary Market Demand: Alexandria's growing food scene supports competitive wages.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Alexandria
Becoming a Sous Chef involves a mix of education, certification, and hands-on experience.
- Culinary Arts Program at Northern Virginia Community College offers comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety, preparing students for professional kitchen roles.
- Professional Cooking Program at Stratford University provides hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in cooking, baking, and kitchen operations, ideal for aspiring Sous Chefs.
- ServSafe Certification is essential for ensuring food safety standards compliance in kitchen environments.
- Certified Sous Chef (CSC) by the American Culinary Federation recognizes culinary professionals demonstrating high-level skill and knowledge in the role.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Alexandria
Several prominent culinary groups and restaurants frequently seek qualified Sous Chefs:
- Alexandria Restaurant Partners
- Clyde's Restaurant Group
- Vermilion
- Cuisine Solutions
- The Indigo Road
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Alexandria Work At
Sous Chefs typically find work in a variety of settings including:
- Fine dining restaurants: Often offer the highest pay due to quality and complexity of cuisine.
- Casual dining establishments: Provide steady work but usually lower salaries compared to fine dining.
- Hotels and resorts: Employ Sous Chefs for banquet and room service kitchens.
- Catering companies: Require Sous Chefs to manage food prep for events, sometimes with variable hours.
The type of establishment directly impacts earning potential, with upscale venues generally offering better compensation packages.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Alexandria for Sous Chefs
If you are considering roles related to Sous Chefs, these similar positions may interest you:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager—all roles with overlapping skills and different career trajectories within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Alexandria
Sous Chefs should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax regulations at federal, state, and local levels to ensure compliance and understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Federal laws including minimum wage and overtime can be reviewed at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Virginia state-specific labor regulations are available on the Virginia government website.
- Local ordinances and resources can be accessed via the Alexandria city government website.