Sous Chef Salary in Detroit, MI
Sous Chefs in Detroit, MI, in 2025, earn approximately $27.41 per hour, which translates to about $1,096.40 per week, $4,751.07 per month, and $57,012.80 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Detroit is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the city's culinary and hospitality sectors.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Detroit, MI?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Detroit varies by experience level and workplace, but below is a general breakdown of average earnings at different stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.36 | $894.40 | $3,870.67 | $46,528.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $27.41 | $1,096.40 | $4,751.07 | $57,012.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $33.56 | $1,342.40 | $5,814.93 | $69,740.80 |
Do Sous Chefs in Detroit Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily focused on kitchen management and cooking rather than direct customer service. Their compensation mostly comes from their salary or hourly wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Detroit vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $25.00 per hour, which amounts to about $52,000 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Detroit earn approximately $27.41 per hour and $57,012.80 annually, which is slightly higher and may reflect the city's culinary industry growth and living costs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Detroit for Sous Chefs
Nearby cities offer competitive salaries for Sous Chefs, including:
- Royal Oak: $29.92 per hour
- Troy: $29.21 per hour
Both Royal Oak and Troy offer higher hourly wages than the Detroit average, making them attractive options for Sous Chefs willing to commute.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Detroit?
A variety of factors influence how much a Sous Chef earns in Detroit:
- Experience and Skill Level: A Sous Chef with several years of experience and strong culinary skills can command a higher salary.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and upscale hotels tend to pay more compared to casual dining or fast food outlets.
- Education and Certifications: Culinary certificates and specialized training can boost compensation and job prospects.
- Responsibility and Kitchen Size: Larger kitchens and higher responsibility levels generally correlate with better pay.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays may earn premium pay.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Detroit
Becoming a successful Sous Chef involves building both culinary expertise and leadership abilities. Here are key steps:
- Complete Culinary Training Programs: Consider enrolling in culinary arts programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Schoolcraft College or Macomb Community College, which provide valuable kitchen management and cooking skills.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Obtain certifications like ServSafe Certification, essential for maintaining food safety standards in professional kitchens.
- Pursue Advanced Credentials: The Certified Sous Chef (CSC) by the American Culinary Federation can enhance your credibility and career advancement.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start as a line cook or commis chef and progressively take on more responsibilities to develop your culinary and managerial skills.
- Network and Stay Updated: Engage with the local culinary community and stay informed about industry trends and innovations.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Detroit
Detroit's thriving food scene includes many notable establishments hiring Sous Chefs, such as:
- Prime + Proper
- Selden Standard
- Lady of the House
- Grey Ghost Detroit
- Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Detroit Work At
Sous Chefs typically find roles in a variety of dining venues including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often offer the highest salaries due to the complexity and quality of cuisine.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger establishments must maintain high culinary standards, often paying well.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Usually offer moderate pay levels but greater job availability.
- Catering and Event Venues: Provide varied work that can influence earnings based on event scale.
The type of establishment directly impacts the salary, with luxury and high-profile kitchens usually compensating Sous Chefs better.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Detroit for Sous Chefs
If you're interested in roles similar to Sous Chef, here are some related career options worth considering:
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Kitchen Manager roles, all of which share culinary leadership responsibilities and similar salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Detroit
Understanding the labor laws and tax obligations is crucial for Sous Chefs working in Detroit.
- Visit the Michigan government website for detailed state labor laws and employment regulations.
- For federal labor standards, you can refer to the U.S. Department of Labor website which covers workplace rules and rights.