Sous Chef Salary in Meridian, ID
Sous Chefs in Meridian, ID, in 2026, earn approximately $31.25 per hour, which translates to about $1,250.00 per week, $5,416.67 per month, and $65,000.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Meridian is growing at a healthy rate of about 6% per year, indicating positive job market prospects and increasing opportunities in the culinary field within the area.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Meridian, ID?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Meridian varies based on experience and skills. Below is a breakdown of typical pay levels for this role.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.98 | $919.20 | $3,978.40 | $47,740.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $31.25 | $1,250.00 | $5,416.67 | $65,000.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $39.52 | $1,580.80 | $6,837.33 | $82,209.60 |
Do Sous Chefs in Meridian Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in kitchen preparation and management. Their earnings are mainly from their base salary or hourly wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Meridian vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $30.39 per hour and approximately $63,211.20 annually.
In Meridian, Sous Chefs enjoy a slightly higher average hourly wage at $31.25 and yearly earnings of about $65,000.00, reflecting favorable local demand and culinary industry growth.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Meridian for Sous Chefs
The pay for Sous Chefs also varies within areas close to Meridian:
- Downtown Meridian: $32.50 per hour
- Northwest Meridian: $33.00 per hour
These areas offer competitive wages that may attract culinary professionals seeking higher compensation within the Meridian region.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Meridian?
Several factors play key roles in determining a Sous Chef’s salary in Meridian:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced culinary skills and leadership abilities tend to command higher wages.
- Skills and Certifications: Specialized skills in cuisine types and certifications like the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) boost earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, hotels, and resorts generally offer better pay than casual dining or fast food venues.
- Workload and Responsibilities: Sous Chefs managing larger teams or more complex kitchen operations often earn more.
- Local Market Demand: In Meridian, increasing growth in dining establishments drives demand and salary growth.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Meridian
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in Meridian, you can focus on several key steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Programs like the Culinary Arts Program at College of Western Idaho offer comprehensive training in culinary techniques and kitchen management.
- Study Hospitality Management: The Boise State University Hospitality Management Program provides education with a culinary arts focus, helping develop essential skills.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Obtaining credentials such as the ServSafe Certification demonstrates knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
- Obtain Industry Certification: Achieving the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) certification from the American Culinary Federation marks professional competence and can improve job prospects.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Starting as a line cook or commis chef and progressively taking on more responsibility will help build expertise for a Sous Chef role.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Meridian
Several prominent employers in the Meridian area are actively hiring Sous Chefs:
- Chandlers Boise LLC
- Albertsons
- Boise Centre
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Meridian Work At
Sous Chefs typically work in various types of culinary establishments:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These venues often pay higher salaries due to the elevated culinary standards and complex menus.
- Casual Dining: Although salaries may be lower than fine dining, these establishments provide abundant job opportunities.
- Hotels and Resorts: Large hospitality venues require experienced Sous Chefs to oversee kitchen operations and usually offer competitive pay and benefits.
- Catering and Event Venues: These settings demand flexibility and creativity, influencing earning potential depending on the size and frequency of events.
The type of establishment greatly affects salary; more prestigious or larger venues generally provide higher wages and advancement potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Meridian for Sous Chefs
If you're exploring options related to the Sous Chef position, consider these similar career paths:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, all of which involve leadership roles in culinary and hospitality management with varied salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Meridian
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is crucial for Sous Chefs working in Meridian:
- For federal labor laws and employee rights, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific regulations, wage standards, and employment resources, see the Idaho Department of Labor website.