Sous Chef Salary in Kansas City, KS
Sous Chefs in Kansas City, KS, in 2025, earn approximately $22.50 per hour, which translates to about $900.00 per week, $3,900.00 per month, and $46,800.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Kansas City is growing steadily at about 6% per year, indicating a positive outlook for culinary professionals in this vital kitchen leadership role.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Kansas City, KS?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Kansas City varies by experience, skill, and employer. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings at various career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.50 | $900.00 | $3,900.00 | $46,800.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.00 | $1,120.00 | $4,853.33 | $58,240.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Kansas City Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs generally do not earn tips as their role is focused on kitchen management and food preparation behind the scenes. However, in some venues, they might receive occasional bonuses or profit-sharing, but tips are usually reserved for front-of-house staff.
Sous Chef Salary in Kansas City vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn on average about $23.00 per hour, which adds up to approximately $47,840.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Kansas City earn slightly less hourly by about $0.50 and a bit less annually, but this is often balanced by the lower cost of living in Kansas City relative to other US metro areas.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kansas City for Sous Chefs
For Sous Chefs willing to commute or live near Kansas City, some neighborhoods and areas offer higher pay:
- Downtown: $24.00 per hour
- Westport: $23.50 per hour
Working in these bustling culinary neighborhoods can provide enhanced earnings and an opportunity to work in diverse kitchen environments.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Kansas City?
The salary for Sous Chefs in Kansas City is influenced by several factors that can significantly impact earning potential.
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More seasoned Sous Chefs with proven culinary expertise command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels typically offer better compensation than casual dining or fast-casual spots.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary education or specialized certifications such as the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) can boost earnings.
- Kitchen Size and Team Leadership: Larger kitchens or those requiring strong supervisory skills often pay more to compensate for responsibilities.
- Reputation of Employer: High-end establishments or those with prestigious awards tend to offer competitive wages.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Kansas City
Building a career as a Sous Chef in Kansas City involves specific training, certifications, and work experience.
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Start with comprehensive culinary programs such as the Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts Program or the Kansas City Kansas Community College Culinary Arts Program, which provide essential hands-on skills and kitchen management knowledge.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Manager Certification ensure adherence to food safety standards, a crucial aspect of kitchen leadership.
- Earn Professional Recognition: The Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential, offered by the American Culinary Federation, validates your skills and can enhance job prospects and salary.
- Gain Experience: Work your way up through kitchen positions such as Line Cook or Chef de Partie to accumulate relevant experience.
- Network in Local Culinary Circles: Engage with Kansas City’s food scene to connect with employers and stay current on industry trends.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Kansas City
Several well-known Kansas City establishments frequently hire Sous Chefs, including:
- The American Restaurant
- Bluestem
- Rye
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Kansas City Work At
Sous Chefs in Kansas City commonly work in a variety of hospitality venues, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Offer some of the highest-paying opportunities, reflecting the skill and precision required.
- Casual Dining: Provide solid career paths with decent compensation and chance for growth.
- Hotels and Resorts: Large operations with extensive kitchens offer competitive salaries and benefits.
- Catering Services: May offer variable pay depending on project scope and scale.
The type of establishment significantly influences salary, with fine dining and large hotels paying higher wages due to complexity and expectations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kansas City for Sous Chef
If you’re interested in roles related to Sous Chef, consider career paths with overlapping culinary and management responsibilities.
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Kitchen Manager, which share responsibilities in kitchen oversight and culinary creativity.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Kansas City
Sous Chefs in Kansas City should be aware of relevant labor regulations and tax guidelines affecting their employment.
- For federal labor laws and employment information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Specific state guidelines and regulations can be found on the State of Kansas official website.
- For local government resources and services relevant to Kansas City, KS, check the Kansas City, Kansas official website.