Sous Chef Salary in Little Rock, AR
Sous Chefs in Little Rock, AR, in 2025, earn approximately $23.60 per hour, which translates to about $944.00 per week, $4,090.67 per month, and $49,088.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Little Rock is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for culinary professionals in this region, with increasing job opportunities expected in the coming years.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Little Rock, AR?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Little Rock can vary based on experience and workplace, but here is an overview of earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.23 | $769.20 | $3,320.40 | $39,844.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $23.56 | $942.40 | $4,070.93 | $48,924.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $30.24 | $1,209.60 | $5,216.53 | $62,899.20 |
Do Sous Chefs in Little Rock Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role primarily involves kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their compensation mainly comes from salaries or wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Little Rock vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average hourly wage of $27.86, which amounts to about $57,948.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Little Rock earn slightly less, with around $23.60 per hour and $49,088 annually. This difference reflects local economic conditions and living costs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Little Rock for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer varying pay for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown: $25.00 per hour
- Riverdale: $24.50 per hour
Sous Chefs working in Downtown Little Rock tend to earn the highest wages, followed closely by those in Riverdale.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Little Rock?
Several factors can affect the salary of a Sous Chef in Little Rock:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced culinary skills generally command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels usually offers better compensation versus casual or fast-casual venues.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary certifications and formal training can elevate earning potential.
- Responsibilities and Leadership Skills: Sous Chefs with managerial roles or overseeing larger teams may earn more.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Little Rock
Becoming a successful Sous Chef in Little Rock involves several practical steps:
- Culinary Education: Enrolling in accredited programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at UA-Pulaski Technical College provides essential training and hands-on experience.
- Obtain Important Certifications: Earning certifications like ServSafe ensures knowledge of food safety standards, while the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential demonstrates professional competence.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Starting out as a line cook or commis chef helps build foundational skills and paves the way for advancement.
- Develop Leadership Abilities: Sous Chefs often manage kitchen staff, so cultivating strong leadership and organizational skills is important.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Little Rock
Some of the leading employers seeking skilled Sous Chefs in Little Rock include:
- The Capital Hotel
- Little Rock Marriott
- The Country Club of Little Rock
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Little Rock Work At
Sous Chefs commonly work in a variety of food service settings, each influencing salary ranges:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments often offer the highest salaries due to the complexity and quality standards of their cuisine.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger venues can provide stable pay and benefits, with opportunities for career growth.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These may pay less but offer a faster-paced environment and broader experience.
- Catering and Event Venues: Salaries here may vary depending on the scale of operations and client demands.
The type of establishment significantly impacts the level of responsibility and compensation for Sous Chefs.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Little Rock for Sous Chefs
If you are exploring roles related to being a Sous Chef, consider these similar careers:
These careers include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager, each with overlapping skills and different salary scopes.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Little Rock
Sous Chefs should familiarize themselves with both federal and state labor laws to ensure proper workplace compliance and understand tax responsibilities.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for comprehensive federal labor regulations and resources.
- For state-specific information, the Arkansas Department of Labor website offers details on employment standards and worker rights.