Sous Chef Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Sous Chefs in Colorado Springs, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $31.97 per hour, which translates to about $1,278.80 per week, $5,541.47 per month, and $66,497.60 per year.
The job demand for Sous Chefs in Colorado Springs is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating increasing opportunities and a healthy culinary job market in the area.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Colorado Springs varies by experience and employer, but the following breakdown provides a clear picture of earnings at different career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $26.49 | $1,059.60 | $4,573.63 | $54,883.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $31.97 | $1,278.80 | $5,541.47 | $66,497.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.66 | $1,546.40 | $6,707.47 | $80,532.80 |
Do Sous Chefs in Colorado Springs Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes in kitchen management and food preparation. Their compensation mainly comes as wages or salary rather than gratuities.
Sous Chef Salary in Colorado Springs vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn about $30.77 per hour and approximately $64,001.60 annually.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Colorado Springs earn slightly more per hour and have higher yearly earnings, reflecting the local economic conditions and demand for culinary leadership.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Colorado Springs for Sous Chef
Some nearby areas offer even higher pay for Sous Chefs, including:
- Downtown: $33.65 per hour
- Northgate: $35.29 per hour
Working in these areas can provide Sous Chefs with above-average wages compared to the broader Colorado Springs region.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Colorado Springs?
Several key factors influence how much a Sous Chef earns in Colorado Springs:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Sous Chefs with extensive culinary skills and leadership capabilities tend to command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Salaries can vary depending on whether the Sous Chef works in fine dining restaurants, hotels, resorts, or casual dining venues.
- Educational Background and Certifications: Holding culinary degrees or certifications like the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential can boost earning potential.
- Location Within the City: Certain neighborhoods or districts, such as Downtown or Northgate, may offer better pay due to higher demand or upscale clientele.
- Reputation and Size of Employer: Prestigious establishments with larger operations often provide higher wages along with benefits and advancement opportunities.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Colorado Springs
Becoming a Sous Chef requires a mix of formal training, practical experience, and sometimes certifications. Key steps include:
- Complete Culinary Education: Programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Pikes Peak Community College provide comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety, preparing candidates for professional culinary roles.
- Participate in High School Culinary Programs: The ProStart Program at Colorado Springs School District 11 offers foundational culinary education, hands-on experience, and industry certifications which are valuable early credentials.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Nationally recognized ServSafe Certification is often required by employers to ensure compliance with health standards.
- Earn Professional Certification: Achieving Certified Sous Chef (CSC) status through the American Culinary Federation validates advanced skills and leadership, making candidates more competitive.
- Gain Experience: Working as a line cook or commis chef and advancing through kitchen ranks is essential to develop the needed skills and leadership qualities.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Colorado Springs
Several prominent employers in Colorado Springs actively seek qualified Sous Chefs:
- The Broadmoor Hotel
- Cheyenne Mountain Resort
- Phantom Canyon Brewing Company
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Colorado Springs Work At
Sous Chefs commonly find employment in a range of establishments including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often provide higher pay and opportunities to refine advanced culinary techniques.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger venues like The Broadmoor offer structured kitchen teams, benefits, and competitive salaries.
- Casual and Fast Casual Dining: While pay may be lower, such establishments provide valuable experience and steady work.
- Catering and Event Companies: Sous Chefs in catering may experience variable hours but opportunities to develop management skills.
The type of establishment can significantly influence a Sous Chef’s salary, with upscale venues typically offering the best compensation and environment for skill advancement.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Colorado Springs for Sous Chefs
If you are exploring roles similar to Sous Chef, consider these related positions that require culinary expertise and often have overlapping responsibilities:
These include Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, and Chef roles, each presenting unique opportunities and salary ranges within the culinary field.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Colorado Springs
Sous Chefs should be aware of essential labor laws and tax regulations applicable to their work in Colorado Springs:
- For detailed federal employment regulations, visit the Department of Labor website.
- The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment site offers state-specific labor laws, wage standards, and workplace regulations.
- The official City of Colorado Springs website provides local employment resources and guidance.