Sous Chef Salary in Gulfport, MS
Sous Chefs in Gulfport, MS, in 2026, earn approximately $22.28 per hour, which translates to about $891.20 per week, $3,861.87 per month, and $46,342.40 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Gulfport is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive job prospects and expanding opportunities in the culinary field.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Gulfport, MS?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Gulfport can vary based on experience and the type of establishment. Below is an overview of earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $21.92 | $876.80 | $3,792.53 | $45,625.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.28 | $891.20 | $3,861.87 | $46,342.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.00 | $1,160.00 | $4,993.33 | $59,920.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Gulfport Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily kitchen-based, focusing on food preparation and staff management rather than direct customer interaction.
Sous Chef Salary in Gulfport vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $25.00 per hour, which amounts to approximately $52,000 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Gulfport, MS, earn slightly less at about $22.28 per hour and $46,342.40 annually, reflecting local cost of living and market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Gulfport for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer slightly varying salaries for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown Gulfport: $23.50 per hour
- West Gulfport: $22.75 per hour
Working in Downtown Gulfport could offer a higher hourly rate compared to other nearby locations.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Gulfport?
Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Sous Chefs commanding strong culinary skills and leadership qualities tend to earn higher salaries.
Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels may offer better pay compared to casual dining or fast food places.
Educational Background and Certifications: Formal culinary education or professional certifications can enhance earning potential.
Work Hours and Shifts: Working nights, weekends, or holidays might include shift differentials.
Local Economic Conditions: Economic health of Gulfport and surrounding areas impacts salary levels and job availability.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Gulfport
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in Gulfport, MS, consider the following steps:
- Complete a Culinary Arts Program: Enroll in programs such as the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Culinary Arts Program for comprehensive hands-on culinary training.
- Obtain Hospitality Education: Consider the University of Southern Mississippi Hospitality and Tourism Management Program to gain broader management skills with culinary focus.
- Gain Food Safety Certification: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification are often required for supervisory culinary positions.
- Earn Professional Culinary Certifications: The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential can significantly enhance career prospects and demonstrate expertise.
- Build Work Experience: Start in kitchen roles such as line cook or commis chef and progressively gain skills and responsibility.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Gulfport
- The Chimneys
- Half Shell Oyster House
- Mary Mahoney’s Old French House
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Gulfport Work At
Sous Chefs typically work in a variety of food service establishments, including:
- Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants: Usually offer more competitive salaries due to higher culinary standards and expectations.
- Hotels and Resorts: These establishments often provide consistent work schedules and may offer additional benefits.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often have moderate salary scales but provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.
- Banquet and Catering Services: Opportunities for event-based culinary management which can influence earnings based on contracts.
The type and prestige of an establishment significantly impact earnings and job responsibilities for Sous Chefs.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Gulfport for Sous Chefs
If you are considering related roles within the culinary and hospitality field, here are a few similar jobs worth exploring:
These roles include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager, all of which share overlapping skills and may offer different salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Gulfport
Sous Chefs in Gulfport should be informed about labor laws and taxes that affect their employment:
- Information on federal labor laws and wage standards can be found at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Mississippi Department of Employment Security offers insights and resources on state-specific labor regulations and workforce programs.
- For health and safety regulations related to food handling and preparation, Mississippi State Department of Health provides guidelines relevant to Sous Chefs.