Sous Chef Salary in Hilo, HI
Sous Chefs in Hilo, HI, in 2025, earn approximately $25.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,000.00 per week, $4,333.33 per month, and $52,000.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Hilo is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding market for culinary professionals in this region.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Hilo, HI?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Hilo can vary depending on experience and employer, but below is a general overview of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.68 | $627.20 | $2,711.47 | $32,553.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $39.00 | $1,560.00 | $6,760.00 | $81,120.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Hilo Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily kitchen-based and not customer-facing. Their total compensation is generally derived from base salary or hourly wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Hilo vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of about $27.86 per hour, which equates to roughly $57,948.80 per year.
Compared to the national averages, Sous Chefs in Hilo earn slightly less per hour and annually, at $25.00 hourly and $52,000.00 per year. This difference may be influenced by regional market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hilo for Sous Chefs
Looking at nearby areas, some of the highest-paying locations for Sous Chefs include:
- Kamuela: $42.84 per hour
- Waimea: $39.95 per hour
These locations offer substantially higher wages than Hilo, which might be considered by Sous Chefs looking for more lucrative opportunities within Hawaii.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Hilo?
Several factors significantly influence the salary of a Sous Chef in Hilo:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced culinary skills and leadership abilities often command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, resorts, or hotels like Hilton may offer better compensation than smaller local eateries.
- Certifications and Education: Certifications such as ServSafe or attendance in culinary arts programs boost salary potential.
- Work Shift and Hours: Night shifts or weekends may come with additional pay.
- Local Market Demand: Salary levels are affected by the regional demand for skilled culinary professionals.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Hilo
Becoming a Sous Chef requires a combination of education, experience, and certification. Here are some steps to consider:
- Complete Culinary Training: The Culinary Arts Program at Hawaii Community College offers certificates and associate degrees to prepare students for roles like Sous Chef.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: A ServSafe Certification is essential for demonstrating knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen roles and progress to line cook and other positions before advancing.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Sous Chefs need to manage kitchen staff efficiently, so gaining supervisory experience is important.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Hilo
Some of the top employers currently hiring Sous Chefs in Hilo include:
- Hilton
- Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
- Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Hilo Work At
Sous Chefs in Hilo typically find employment in various types of establishments such as:
- Hotels and Resorts: These establishments tend to pay competitive salaries and offer structured career growth.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Higher-end dining venues usually offer increased pay reflecting the advanced culinary skills required.
- Casual Restaurants: Pay might be modest but these locations offer steady work and important kitchen experience.
- Catering Services: Often offer flexible schedules but might come with variable wages.
The type of establishment strongly influences overall salary and benefits for Sous Chefs.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hilo for Sous Chefs
If you are exploring careers related to the Sous Chef role, consider these similar positions:
These roles include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager, each with responsibilities related to culinary and kitchen management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Hilo
Sous Chefs should familiarize themselves with key labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and understand their rights and responsibilities.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State-specific information for Hawaii can be found at the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website.