Sous Chef Salary in Columbus, OH
Sous Chefs in Columbus, OH, in 2025, earn approximately $28.60 per hour, which translates to about $1,144.00 per week, $4,957.33 per month, and $59,488.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Columbus is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for culinary professionals looking to advance their careers in the region.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Columbus, OH?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Columbus varies based on experience and the type of establishment. Here’s a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.00 | $880.00 | $3,813.33 | $45,760.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.60 | $1,144.00 | $4,957.33 | $59,488.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $36.10 | $1,444.00 | $6,251.33 | $75,088.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Columbus Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is focused on kitchen management and food preparation behind the scenes. Their earnings mainly come from their salary or hourly wage rather than gratuities.
Sous Chef Salary in Columbus vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn about $29.80 per hour, which is approximately $61,984 per year.
Compared to this, Sous Chefs in Columbus earn a slightly lower hourly wage ($28.60 per hour) and annual salary ($59,488), indicating competitive but modestly below-average pay reflecting the regional cost of living and hospitality market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Columbus for Sous Chefs
Within the Columbus area, some neighborhoods offer higher compensation for Sous Chefs:
- Short North: $30.00 per hour
- Downtown: $32.00 per hour
Sous Chefs working in Downtown enjoy the highest pay among the nearby areas, likely due to the concentration of upscale restaurants and hotels.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Columbus?
A variety of factors impact how much a Sous Chef can earn in Columbus:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Sous Chefs typically command higher wages due to their expertise in kitchen operations and leadership.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and specialty dining venues often offer better pay compared to fast casual or smaller eateries.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary certifications can increase earning potential by demonstrating advanced skills and professionalism.
- Shift and Work Hours: Evening or weekend shifts may come with additional compensation.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: Columbus’ cost of living and the demand for culinary talent impact wage levels.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Columbus
Becoming a successful Sous Chef in Columbus involves several key steps:
- Pursue Culinary Education: Programs like the Columbus State Community College Culinary Apprenticeship Program provide valuable hands-on and classroom experience.
- Consider Hospitality Management Courses: The Ohio State University Hospitality Management Program offers courses that blend culinary arts with restaurant management knowledge.
- Obtain Certifications: The ServSafe Certification is essential for food safety compliance. Holding the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can further demonstrate expertise.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Start as a cook or line cook and progress by developing leadership and technical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Columbus
Some of the notable employers who frequently hire Sous Chefs in Columbus include:
- Lindey's
- The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro
- The Pearl
- M at Miranova
- Veritas
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Columbus Work At
Sous Chefs in Columbus are commonly employed in a range of settings including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These venues often provide the highest salaries due to the demanding skill set and upscale clientele.
- Hotels and Resorts: Large establishments require kitchen management teams and may offer competitive wages and benefits.
- Casual and Fast Casual Eateries: While typically paying less, they provide valuable career opportunities and kitchen experience.
- Catering Companies and Event Venues: These can vary widely in pay depending on scale and clientele.
The nature and prestige of the establishment directly affect earning potential, with more exclusive venues paying more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Columbus for Sous Chefs
If you are exploring roles similar to Sous Chef, consider these closely related positions:
These include Fine Dining Server, Head Chef, and Kitchen Manager—positions that share culinary or management responsibilities within restaurant operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Columbus
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is important for Sous Chefs working in Columbus:
- For federal labor regulations, visit the Department of Labor website.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers comprehensive information on occupational trends and wage data.
- State-specific labor law details can be found on the Ohio Department of Commerce website.