Sous Chef Salary in Jacksonville, FL
Sous Chefs in Jacksonville, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $28.46 per hour, which translates to about $1,138.40 per week, $4,933.07 per month, and $59,196.80 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Jacksonville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for culinary careers in the area, driven by a vibrant food scene and expanding hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Jacksonville, FL?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Jacksonville can vary based on experience, skills, and employer type. Below is an overview of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.79 | $911.60 | $3,946.80 | $47,401.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.46 | $1,138.40 | $4,933.07 | $59,196.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $35.52 | $1,420.80 | $6,156.80 | $73,881.60 |
Do Sous Chefs in Jacksonville Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is predominantly in kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their income mainly comes from their salary or hourly wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Jacksonville vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $30.24 per hour, amounting to approximately $62,899.20 per year.
Compared to the national figures, Sous Chefs in Jacksonville earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $28.46 and a yearly salary of about $59,196.80.
This difference can be influenced by local cost of living, regional demand, and the types of culinary establishments in Jacksonville.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Jacksonville for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer varied pay rates for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown Jacksonville: $30.00 per hour
- Southside: $29.50 per hour
Those willing to work in Downtown Jacksonville may find marginally higher wages compared to other parts of the city.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Jacksonville?
Several factors impact how much a Sous Chef can earn in Jacksonville:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Sous Chefs, especially those skilled in various cuisines and kitchen management, command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and resorts tend to offer better pay compared to casual eateries or fast casual chains.
- Certifications: Professional certifications like Certified Sous Chef (CSC) can enhance pay potential.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or holiday shifts may include higher pay rates due to shift differentials.
- Local Market Demand: Growth in Jacksonville's hospitality sector drives demand and influences wage levels positively.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Jacksonville
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in Jacksonville, consider these steps:
- Education and Training: Enroll in culinary programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Florida State College at Jacksonville or Jacksonville Culinary Institute to gain hands-on and theoretical knowledge.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Achieving the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is often essential for supervisory roles.
- Earn Professional Credentials: Pursue the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) certification offered by the American Culinary Federation to validate your expertise.
- Gain Experience: Work your way up from chef de partie or line cook positions to build practical skills and kitchen leadership experience.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Jacksonville
Several reputable companies in Jacksonville actively seek Sous Chefs, including:
- The Capital Grille
- RH
- HMSHost
- Delaware North
- Tommy Bahama
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Jacksonville Work At
Sous Chefs in Jacksonville commonly work at various types of establishments:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Offer opportunities for higher salaries and creative culinary roles.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often provide steady employment with benefits and competitive pay.
- Casual Dining and Fast Casual: These may offer entry-level or mid-tier salary ranges but valuable experience.
- Catering Companies: Can vary widely in pay depending on client base and event scale.
The type of establishment usually significantly influences salary potential and day-to-day responsibilities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Jacksonville for Sous Chefs
If you are exploring similar career options to Sous Chef, consider these related roles that share overlapping skills or career paths.
These include Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager positions, which offer related opportunities within the culinary and hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Jacksonville
Sous Chefs should familiarize themselves with various labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Information on federal labor laws, wage standards, and employment rights can be found at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For details specific to the state, visit the State of Florida's official website covering state labor regulations and employment resources.
- Local regulations and resources for employees in Jacksonville are available through the City of Jacksonville's official website.