Sous Chef Salary in Hampton, VA
Sous Chefs in Hampton, VA, in 2025, earn approximately $24.00 per hour, which translates to about $960.00 per week, $4,160.00 per month, and $49,920.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Hampton is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the culinary field within the area.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Hampton, VA?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Hampton varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is an overview of typical earnings across different experience tiers.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $39,520.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $24.00 | $960.00 | $4,160.00 | $49,920.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $30.00 | $1,200.00 | $5,200.00 | $62,400.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Hampton Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips since their roles focus on kitchen management and food preparation behind the scenes. Their compensation is usually based on their salary rather than gratuities.
Sous Chef Salary in Hampton vs. National Average
Across the United States, the average hourly wage for a Sous Chef is about $23.00 per hour, with an annual salary around $47,840.00.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Hampton earn slightly more, at $24.00 per hour and about $49,920.00 per year. This reflects local market conditions and demand for skilled culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hampton for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries for Sous Chefs, including:
- Downtown: $25.00 per hour
- Phoebus: $26.00 per hour
Sous Chefs seeking higher pay might consider opportunities in these regions close to Hampton.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Hampton?
Several important factors affect the salary of a Sous Chef:
- Experience and expertise: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced culinary skills usually command higher wages.
- Type of establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, hotels, or resorts often provides better pay than casual dining or fast-casual venues.
- Location: Salaries may vary slightly within different parts of Hampton and neighboring areas.
- Skills and certifications: Culinary certifications and leadership abilities can improve earning potential.
- Work hours and shifts: Positions requiring late-night or holiday shifts might include additional compensation.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Hampton
Becoming a Sous Chef in Hampton involves several steps that help build the necessary skills and credentials:
- Complete culinary training programs. Institutions like the Culinary Institute of Virginia in nearby Norfolk offer comprehensive programs in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management with hands-on experience and externships.
- Obtain relevant certifications. Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Food Manager highlight knowledge of food safety and kitchen management, valuable in leadership roles.
- Gain practical kitchen experience. Starting as a line cook or kitchen assistant helps build foundational skills and familiarity with kitchen operations.
- Develop leadership and management skills. Sous Chefs oversee kitchen staff, so strong communication and organizational abilities are critical.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Hampton
The following companies frequently hire Sous Chefs in Hampton:
- Thompson Hospitality
- Compass Group
- Hawthorn Senior Living
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Hampton Work At
Sous Chefs typically work in a variety of culinary environments including:
- Fine dining restaurants: Often the highest paying with demanding responsibilities and high-quality cuisine.
- Hotels and resorts: Require culinary skills for diverse menus and large-scale food preparation.
- Casual dining and fast casual: These provide steady employment but generally offer lower salaries.
- Catering and institutional kitchens: Such as in senior living facilities or corporate dining, may offer stable work with varied pay scales.
The type and prestige of the establishment significantly impact the salary level for Sous Chefs.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hampton for Sous Chefs
If you are interested in culinary careers related to Sous Chef, consider these similar roles:
These are Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Chef – roles related by culinary leadership with distinct salary ranges and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Hampton
Being informed about labor laws and tax regulations is crucial for Sous Chefs to ensure proper workplace rights and financial compliance.
- For Virginia-specific labor laws, visit the Virginia government website providing employment regulations and labor standards.
- For federal labor laws and employment information, check the U.S. Department of Labor website.