Sous Chef Salary in Fontana, CA
Sous Chefs in Fontana, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $30.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,200.00 per week, $5,200.00 per month, and $62,400.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Fontana is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for culinary professionals who support kitchen operations and management in various dining establishments.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Fontana, CA?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Fontana can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| 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) | $30.00 | $1,200.00 | $5,200.00 | $62,400.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $33.00 | $1,320.00 | $5,720.00 | $68,640.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Fontana Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips since their primary responsibilities are behind the scenes managing kitchen operations and assisting the head chef. Their compensation mainly comes from salary or hourly wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Fontana vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $25.00 per hour, translating to about $52,000 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Fontana earn significantly more, at about $30.00 per hour and $62,400 annually.
This salary difference reflects Fontana’s cost of living, local demand for culinary talent, and the types of establishments employing Sous Chefs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fontana for Sous Chefs
Exploring nearby areas for Sous Chef salaries provides additional insight into local pay variations:
- Downtown Fontana: $31.00 per hour
- North Fontana: $32.00 per hour
These nearby locations offer slightly higher wages, possibly due to differences in restaurant types and clientele.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Fontana?
Experience and skill level play a crucial role, with seasoned Sous Chefs managing larger kitchen teams earning more.
The type of establishment matters — fine dining restaurants and upscale hotels tend to offer higher salaries compared to casual or fast-casual eateries.
Specialized culinary skills such as expertise in particular cuisines or kitchen management can also boost income.
Location within the city and demand for trained Sous Chefs further affect pay scales.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Fontana
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in Fontana, consider the following steps:
- Enroll in culinary training programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at San Bernardino Valley College, which offers comprehensive training in culinary techniques and kitchen management.
- Consider hospitality-focused programs like the Hospitality Management Program at Chaffey College for expanded knowledge in hospitality operations.
- Obtain food safety certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification, mandatory for food safety in California.
- Earn professional recognition like the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) by the American Culinary Federation to demonstrate culinary competence.
- Gain practical kitchen experience by starting in entry-level culinary positions and working upward.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Fontana
Fontana’s culinary industry features various employers actively seeking Sous Chefs, including:
- Specialty Restaurants
- Eurest
- Compass Group USA
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Fontana Work At
Sous Chefs work across a broad range of establishments such as:
- Fine dining restaurants: Often offer higher salaries and require advanced culinary skills and leadership.
- Casual and fast casual dining: Provide steady employment but generally lower wages compared to premium venues.
- Hotels and resorts: May offer competitive pay along with benefits and career advancement opportunities.
- Catering companies: Require organizational skills and offer variable pay depending on contracts.
The work environment and prestige of these establishments impact a Sous Chef’s salary.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fontana for Sous Chefs
If you are exploring opportunities related to the Sous Chef role, consider these similar positions:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Kitchen Manager positions, each requiring varying levels of experience and offering different salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Fontana
Sous Chefs should be familiar with state and federal labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and proper management of their employment conditions.
- For California-specific labor laws, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- Information on employment services and tax is available at the California Employment Development Department.
- The U.S. Department of Labor website provides guidance on federal labor laws.