Sous Chef Salary in Fayetteville, NC
Sous Chefs in Fayetteville, NC, in 2025, earn around $22.00 per hour, which translates to about $880.00 per week, $3,813.33 per month, and $45,760.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Fayetteville is growing positively at about 6% per year, reflecting an increasing need for skilled culinary professionals in the region's hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Fayetteville, NC?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Fayetteville varies depending on experience level and establishment type. Below is a breakdown detailing hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly earnings across different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.00 | $880.00 | $3,813.33 | $45,760.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips since their role focuses largely on kitchen operations, supervision, and food preparation behind the scenes rather than direct customer service. Their compensation mainly comes from their base salary.
Sous Chef Salary in Fayetteville vs. National Average
On a national level, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $27.37 per hour, translating to approximately $56,929.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Fayetteville earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $22.00 and an annual salary of about $45,760.00. This difference may reflect variations in local market demands and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas to Fayetteville offer competitive wages for Sous Chefs, including:
- Downtown Fayetteville: $24.00 per hour
- Haymount: $23.00 per hour
These neighborhoods typically provide slightly higher pay due to their active dining scenes and upscale establishments.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Fayetteville?
A Sous Chef’s salary in Fayetteville is impacted by several important factors:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced culinary skills and leadership experience tend to earn higher salaries.
- Type of Restaurant or Venue: Working in upscale, fine dining, or large hotel kitchens often leads to better pay compared to casual dining or fast-food environments.
- Location within Fayetteville: Establishments in higher-end neighborhoods or tourist hotspots may offer higher salaries.
- Education and Certifications: Culinary degrees or certifications, such as the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential, can increase earning potential.
- Management Responsibilities: Sous Chefs who supervise larger teams or oversee complex kitchen operations typically earn more.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Fayetteville
To build a career as a Sous Chef in Fayetteville, consider the following steps:
- Complete Culinary Education: Enrolling in reputable programs such as the Fayetteville Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program or obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Campus provides solid culinary foundations.
- Earn Food Safety and Management Certifications: Consider obtaining the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, which is nationally recognized and essential for kitchen leadership.
- Obtain Professional Certification: The Certified Sous Chef (CSC) certification from the American Culinary Federation validates culinary leadership and advanced skills.
- Gain Relevant Work Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen roles and progressively take on more responsibility to develop practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Fayetteville
Fayetteville boasts a diverse restaurant scene with several prominent places regularly hiring Sous Chefs, including:
- Circa 1800
- The Mash House Restaurant
- Char Restaurant
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- Royal Buffet
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Fayetteville Work At
Sous Chefs in Fayetteville typically work in a variety of settings such as casual dining restaurants, fine dining establishments, hotel kitchens, and catering companies.
The type of establishment greatly affects salary levels. For example, fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels usually offer higher wages and benefits, while casual dining and fast food places might offer lower pay but more entry-level opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville for Sous Chefs
If you're exploring roles similar to Sous Chef, consider these related careers that involve culinary leadership and food preparation:
These include positions such as Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Kitchen Manager, which require advanced skills and often carry increased responsibilities and salary potential.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Fayetteville
Sous Chefs should be familiar with federal and state labor regulations to understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
- Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics for comprehensive labor data and employment outlooks.
- The U.S. Department of Labor website offers valuable information on wage laws, workplace safety, and employment rights.
- For North Carolina-specific labor laws and resources, check the State Government of North Carolina website.