Sous Chef Salary in Columbia, SC
Sous Chefs in Columbia, SC, in 2026, earn approximately $27.83 per hour, which translates to about $1,113.20 per week, $4,823.87 per month, and $57,886.40 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Columbia is looking up with a positive growth rate of about 6% per year, signaling a healthy and expanding culinary job market in the region.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Columbia, SC?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Columbia can vary depending on experience and employer, but below is a typical breakdown across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $20.95 | $838.00 | $3,631.33 | $43,576.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $27.83 | $1,113.20 | $4,823.87 | $57,886.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $33.65 | $1,346.00 | $5,825.33 | $69,992.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Columbia Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role focuses on kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their earnings mainly come from salary or hourly wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Columbia vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $27.16 per hour, which translates to about $56,492.80 per year.
Comparing this to Columbia, SC, Sous Chefs earn slightly more at approximately $27.83 hourly and $57,886.40 annually, reflecting a competitive culinary market relative to the national standard.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Columbia for Sous Chefs
When looking at neighborhoods near Columbia, pay varies slightly:
- Downtown: $28.50 per hour
- Five Points: $29.00 per hour
Sous Chefs working in Five Points can expect the highest pay among these areas, likely due to the area's vibrant restaurant scene.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Columbia?
Several factors influence a Sous Chef's earning potential in Columbia:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced culinary skills tend to command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale or specialty restaurants generally offers better pay than casual dining facilities.
- Managerial Responsibilities: Sous Chefs with broader management duties, including staff training, may earn more.
- Certification and Education: Validated culinary education and certifications can positively affect wages.
- Shift Hours and Workload: Longer or less desirable shifts such as evenings or weekends might offer increased compensation.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Columbia
Becoming a successful Sous Chef in Columbia involves several key steps:
- Complete a Culinary Arts Program: Enroll in programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Midlands Technical College for hands-on training and theory.
- Advance Training: Further enhance skills at institutions such as the Culinary Institute of Charleston, specializing in modern culinary techniques and kitchen management.
- Obtain Certifications: Essential certifications include the ServSafe Certification for food safety and the professional Certified Sous Chef (CSC) by the American Culinary Federation, which can boost career prospects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Experience in working kitchens is crucial; consider starting as a line cook or commis chef and progressing upward.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Columbia
Columbia’s notable establishments seeking skilled Sous Chefs include:
- Motor Supply Co. Bistro
- Terra Restaurant
- Cola's Restaurant
- Blue Marlin
- The War Mouth
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Columbia Work At
Sous Chefs find employment across various types of dining venues, such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These high-end venues generally offer the best salaries due to skill demands and clientele expectations.
- Casual Dining: Pay may be moderate, but opportunities abound for career growth.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often provide stable employment with benefits and competitive salary ranges.
- Institutional Kitchens: Includes hospitals or colleges where budgets can limit pay but offer consistent work hours.
The type of establishment significantly impacts the salary range, with upscale and specialty venues offering the highest compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Columbia for Sous Chefs
If you're exploring roles similar to Sous Chef, consider these closely related hospitality careers:
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Kitchen Manager positions, which share overlapping skills and responsibilities in the culinary field.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Columbia
Sous Chefs in Columbia should be aware of and comply with relevant labor laws and tax obligations to protect their rights and earnings.
- Review federal regulations on employment, wages, and workplace safety via the Federal website for labor laws and regulations.
- Understand South Carolina-specific labor licensing and regulations through the South Carolina state website for labor licensing and regulations.