Sous Chef Salary in Baytown, TX
Sous Chefs in Baytown, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $18.00 per hour, equating to roughly $720.00 per week, $3,120.00 per month, and $37,440.00 per year.
The job market for Sous Chefs in Baytown is growing at a healthy rate of 5% per year, indicating rising demand and opportunity in the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Baytown, TX?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Baytown varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is a breakdown across different stages of a Sous Chef’s career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.00 | $560.00 | $2,426.67 | $29,120.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.00 | $880.00 | $3,813.33 | $45,760.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Baytown Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their work is mainly focused on kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer interaction. Their income usually comes from their base salary alone.
Sous Chef Salary in Baytown vs. National Average
Nationally, a Sous Chef earns about $27.00 per hour, which amounts to approximately $56,160.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Baytown earn less per hour and annually, with local wages around $18.00 per hour and $37,440.00 per year.
This difference reflects regional cost of living and market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Baytown for Sous Chefs
There are a couple of nearby areas with somewhat higher pay rates for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown Baytown: $20.00 per hour
- Goose Creek: $19.00 per hour
Sous Chefs working in Downtown Baytown can expect to earn more than the average for Baytown proper.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Baytown?
Several important factors impact the salary of a Sous Chef in Baytown:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Sous Chefs with expertise in menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and staff supervision tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels generally offer better pay than casual dining or fast-casual eateries.
- Size of Kitchen and Staff Managed: Larger kitchens with more team members may lead to higher compensation.
- Certifications and Training: Holding certifications like the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) or ServSafe can boost salary potential.
- Local Market Demand: Demand for culinary talent in Baytown influences wage levels.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Baytown
Becoming a successful Sous Chef in Baytown involves a combination of education, experience, and skill refinement.
- Pursue Culinary Education: Programs like the Lee College Culinary Arts Program and the San Jacinto College Culinary Arts Program offer hands-on training essential for aspiring chefs.
- Earn Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Certification is often required for kitchen management roles and demonstrates adherence to health standards.
- Get Certified as a Sous Chef: The Certified Sous Chef (CSC) designation from the American Culinary Federation validates expertise and experience.
- Gain Practical Kitchen Experience: Working as a line cook or chef de partie helps develop skills necessary for advancing to Sous Chef.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Baytown
Baytown hosts several establishments regularly hiring qualified Sous Chefs, including:
- The Refinery Restaurant
- Loven Bakery & Café
- Texas Roadhouse
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Baytown Work At
Sous Chefs in Baytown typically find employment in a variety of dining establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often offer steady hours with moderate pay, ideal for developing leadership skills.
- Fast Casual Kitchens: These establishments emphasize speed and efficiency, and may provide different wage structures.
- Fine Dining and Hotel Kitchens: Higher-end venues usually provide better compensation and more complex culinary challenges.
The type of establishment greatly affects earning potential with upscale locations generally paying more due to higher skill requirements and expectations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Baytown for Sous Chefs
If you are interested in roles similar to Sous Chef, consider these related positions:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Kitchen Manager, all of which share overlapping skills with the Sous Chef role.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Baytown
Understanding relevant labor laws and tax requirements is crucial for Sous Chefs working in Baytown.
- Find information on Texas labor laws and employment regulations at the Texas government website.
- The U.S. Department of Labor's page provides federal labor standards and resources at dol.gov.