Sous Chef Salary in Mesa, AZ
Sous Chefs in Mesa, AZ, 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 Mesa is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for those pursuing a career in culinary leadership within this vibrant food scene.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Mesa, AZ?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Mesa varies based on experience and expertise. Below is a salary breakdown categorized by experience level to give a clearer picture.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.00 | $880.00 | $3,813.33 | $45,760.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.00 | $1,160.00 | $5,006.67 | $60,320.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Mesa Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips directly as their role is predominately behind the scenes in kitchen management and food preparation. Tips may be reserved for front-of-house staff, so their compensation mainly comes from their salary rather than gratuities.
Sous Chef Salary in Mesa vs. National Average
Nationally, a Sous Chef earns around $25.00 per hour on average, amounting to about $52,000.00 per year.
The salary in Mesa closely matches the national average, providing competitive wages that align with the overall culinary profession trends across the United States.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Mesa for Sous Chefs
If you are considering nearby cities, salaries for Sous Chefs vary as follows:
- Scottsdale: $30.00 per hour
- Phoenix: $28.00 per hour
Scottsdale offers a notably higher hourly rate compared to Mesa, reflecting its upscale dining culture, while Phoenix also provides competitive wages for these skilled culinary professionals.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Mesa?
Several key factors impact the salary of a Sous Chef in Mesa:
- Experience Level: More experienced Sous Chefs command higher salaries due to their proficiency in kitchen leadership and culinary expertise.
- Skills and Specialization: Mastery in specific cuisines, knife skills, and kitchen management can increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, or resorts often pay more compared to casual or fast-food restaurants.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary training and certifications can significantly enhance salary prospects.
- Shift and Working Hours: Evening or weekend shifts may attract higher pay rates.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Mesa
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in Mesa, aspiring culinary professionals should consider the following steps:
- Obtain Culinary Education: Enroll in respected programs such as the Arizona Culinary Institute in Scottsdale or the Scottsdale Community College Culinary Arts Program. These provide both foundational training and practical experience.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Securing the ServSafe Food Manager Certification is often a requirement, while earning the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can distinguish candidates.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles and progressively advancing helps develop essential skills.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Sous Chefs must coordinate kitchen staff, so strong communication and management skills are crucial.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Mesa
Mesa has several notable employers seeking skilled Sous Chefs, including:
- Four Seasons
- Marriott International
- SOPHIA'S KITCHEN
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Mesa Work At
Sous Chefs in Mesa work in various types of establishments, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Command higher salaries due to complex menus and high standards.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger kitchens with extensive operations often offer competitive pay.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: While offering less pay on average, these provide opportunities for growth.
- Catering and Event Companies: Can offer flexible and sometimes premium pay for event-driven work.
The type of establishment influences earning potential due to differences in clientele, kitchen size, and culinary complexity.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Mesa for Sous Chefs
Professionals interested in roles similar to Sous Chef might explore these related careers:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Chef roles, which involve advanced culinary leadership and expertise.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Mesa
Sous Chefs should be aware of local and federal labor laws and tax responsibilities to ensure compliance and proper management of their employment and finances.
- Information about Arizona labor regulations is available at the Arizona Industrial Commission.
- Federal labor laws can be reviewed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.