Sous Chef Salary in Hartford, CT
Sous Chefs in Hartford, CT, in 2025, earn approximately $28.44 per hour, which translates to about $1,137.60 per week, $4,929.60 per month, and $59,155.20 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Hartford is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive employment outlook in the culinary field within the region.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Hartford, CT?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Hartford can vary depending on experience and employer type. Below is an overview of earnings across different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.07 | $882.80 | $3,819.47 | $45,833.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.44 | $1,137.60 | $4,929.60 | $59,155.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $35.83 | $1,433.20 | $6,213.87 | $74,561.60 |
Do Sous Chefs in Hartford Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily kitchen-focused, involving food preparation and supervision rather than direct customer interaction.
Sous Chef Salary in Hartford, CT vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of about $29.95 per hour, which equates to approximately $62,296 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Hartford earn slightly less, making around $28.44 per hour and $59,155.20 annually. This difference may be influenced by local cost of living and regional demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hartford for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer slightly higher salaries for Sous Chefs:
- West Hartford: $32.59 per hour
- South Glastonbury: $33.00 per hour
Those willing to commute to these locations could potentially earn more due to higher-paying establishments in these areas.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Hartford?
Several factors impact the salary of a Sous Chef in Hartford, including:
- Experience: More experienced Sous Chefs command higher wages due to their leadership and culinary expertise.
- Skills and Certifications: Advanced culinary skills, knife techniques, and certifications like ServSafe or Certified Sous Chef (CSC) elevate earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels often pay more than casual dining or fast food outlets.
- Location: Salaries can differ between city centers and suburban or neighboring towns.
- Shift Hours: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays may include premium pay.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Hartford
Launching a career as a Sous Chef involves a combination of education, training, and experience.
Local culinary programs such as those at the Lincoln Culinary Institute in Hartford and the Manchester Community College Culinary Arts Program provide essential hands-on training and foundational skills.
Obtaining certifications like the ServSafe Certification, which focuses on food safety, or the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential offered by the American Culinary Federation can boost your credibility and career advancement.
Gaining experience as a line cook or kitchen assistant is often a crucial step toward becoming a Sous Chef.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Hartford
Some prominent employers in Hartford seeking skilled Sous Chefs include:
- Max Downtown
- The Capital Grille
- Carbone's Ristorante
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Hartford Work At
Sous Chefs typically find work in a variety of foodservice establishments, including:
- Fine dining restaurants: Generally offer higher salaries and focus on gourmet culinary techniques.
- Hotels and resorts: Provide opportunities for career growth and often competitive compensation.
- Casual and fast-casual restaurants: Usually pay less but may offer steady hourly wages and regular hours.
- Catering companies and banquet facilities: These venues may require flexible schedules and provide seasonal work.
The type and prestige of the establishment can significantly influence a Sous Chef’s earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hartford for Sous Chefs
If you're interested in roles similar to Sous Chef, consider related hospitality careers that offer different scopes of responsibility:
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Kitchen Manager roles.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Hartford
Sous Chefs in Hartford should familiarize themselves with federal and state labor laws to understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Visit the official U.S. Department of Labor website for information on federal regulations concerning wages, working hours, and workplace safety.
- The State of Connecticut official portal provides resources on state labor laws, employment regulations, and worker rights specific to Connecticut.