Sous Chef Salary in Evanston, IL
Sous Chefs in Evanston, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $26.44 per hour, which translates to about $1,057.60 per week, $4,582.93 per month, and $54,995.20 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Evanston is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities and advancement in the culinary field locally.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Evanston, IL?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Evanston varies based on experience and skill level. Here’s a breakdown of earnings for usual experience brackets.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $21.11 | $844.40 | $3,644.27 | $43,731.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $24.40 | $976.00 | $4,213.33 | $50,752.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.20 | $1,128.00 | $4,884.00 | $58,656.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Evanston Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs generally do not earn tips as their work focuses primarily on food preparation and kitchen management rather than customer interaction. Their compensation is mainly through salary.
Sous Chef Salary in Evanston vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn around $24.40 per hour and approximately $50,752 annually.
In Evanston, Sous Chefs earn slightly more, averaging $26.44 per hour and $54,995.20 annually, reflecting local factors such as cost of living and demand for experienced culinary staff.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Evanston for Sous Chefs
Nearby regions offer competitive salaries for Sous Chefs and can be options for those considering employment close to Evanston:
- Downtown Evanston: $27.50 per hour
- Northwestern University Area: $28.00 per hour
Working closer to Northwestern University Area tends to offer the best compensation among nearby locations, likely due to the prestige and volume of on-campus dining facilities and events.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Evanston?
Several key factors affect the earning potential of a Sous Chef in Evanston:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Sous Chefs with expertise in various cuisines or management tend to earn more.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, hotels, and university dining services usually offer higher wages compared to casual or fast-casual settings.
- Certifications: Holding certifications such as Certified Sous Chef (CSC) can validate skills and improve salary prospects.
- Leadership and Responsibility: Additional roles like overseeing larger kitchen teams or menu development can increase pay.
- Local Economic Factors: Cost of living and demand for culinary professionals in Evanston also play roles in salary differences.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Evanston
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in Evanston, consider these steps:
- Formal Culinary Education: Programs such as the Kendall College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in classic and contemporary cooking techniques.
- Additional Training Nearby: The Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute in Chicago provides practical culinary education suitable for aspiring Sous Chefs.
- Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Certification is essential for ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Professional Certification: Obtaining the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential from the American Culinary Federation helps validate culinary skills and experience.
- Gain Practical Kitchen Experience: Many Sous Chefs start as line cooks or kitchen assistants, working their way up through gaining hands-on experience.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Evanston
Several reputable employers in Evanston actively hire Sous Chefs, including:
- Levy Restaurants
- Northwestern University Dining Services
- Found Kitchen
- Social House
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Evanston Work At
Sous Chefs in Evanston typically find positions in a variety of establishments:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often offer higher salaries due to the quality and complexity of cuisine.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger operations with diverse menus usually provide better pay and benefits.
- University and Institutional Dining: Employers like Northwestern University offer stable jobs with competitive wages.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: These establishments may pay less but provide opportunities for skill development.
Salary can vary greatly depending on the prestige and scale of the establishment, with fine dining and institutional kitchens generally offering the highest compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Evanston for Sous Chefs
Individuals interested in Sous Chef roles might also consider related hospitality and culinary careers that share similar skills and responsibilities.
These related roles include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Kitchen Manager positions, which involve leadership and specialized culinary expertise.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Evanston
Sous Chefs should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to safeguard their rights and comply with local and federal requirements.
- Check the U.S. Department of Labor website for federal labor laws and guidelines.
- Visit the State of Illinois official website for state-specific labor laws and employment regulations.