Sous Chef Salary in Missoula, MT
Sous Chefs in Missoula, MT, in 2026, earn approximately $28.54 per hour, which translates to about $1,141.60 per week, $4,946.93 per month, and $59,363.20 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Missoula is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for this culinary role in the region.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Missoula, MT?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Missoula varies depending on experience and employer, but below is a general breakdown of earnings across different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.98 | $919.20 | $3,980.80 | $47,798.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.54 | $1,141.60 | $4,946.93 | $59,363.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $35.32 | $1,412.80 | $6,090.13 | $73,465.60 |
Do Sous Chefs in Missoula Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs generally do not earn tips directly as their role is focused on kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer interaction. Their earnings typically come from their salary or hourly wages without tip supplements.
Sous Chef Salary in Missoula vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn around $28.54 per hour and approximately $59,363.20 per year. The average salary in Missoula matches these national figures closely.
This parity suggests that the city's pay scale for Sous Chefs is competitive with the broader national market, factoring in local economic conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Missoula for Sous Chefs
Sous Chefs seeking higher pay in nearby locations may consider:
- Whitefish: Approximately $34.92 per hour
- Big Sky: Approximately $33.61 per hour
Both areas offer higher hourly wages compared to Missoula but may differ in cost of living and lifestyle factors that should be considered.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Missoula?
Several factors influence the earning potential of a Sous Chef in Missoula, including:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Sous Chefs command higher wages due to refined culinary skills and leadership abilities.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and upscale hotels typically offer higher salaries compared to casual dining or smaller kitchens.
- Location: Salaries can vary based on the specific city or region within Montana, with nearby areas like Whitefish paying more.
- Certifications and Training: Formal culinary education and certifications such as ServSafe can enhance salary prospects.
- Responsibilities and Size of Kitchen: Larger kitchens with extensive menus or higher volume can offer increased pay due to complexity and management demands.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Missoula
Becoming a Sous Chef involves several steps to gain the necessary culinary skills and leadership experience.
- Complete a Culinary Arts Program: Enrolling in the Culinary Arts Program at Missoula College provides comprehensive hands-on training and theoretical knowledge essential for this role.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Obtaining a ServSafe Certification is widely recognized and often required by employers in the culinary industry.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen roles such as line cook or prep cook to develop cooking skills and work ethic.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Sous Chefs manage kitchen staff and workflow, so leadership and communication abilities are crucial.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Missoula
The Missoula area has a variety of employers actively hiring Sous Chefs, including:
- LC Staffing
- Montage International
- Holiday by Atria
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Missoula Work At
Sous Chefs in Missoula commonly find employment in diverse settings such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments typically offer the highest salaries due to skilled menus and higher customer expectations.
- Hotels and Resorts: Provide stable employment and competitive pay, often with benefits.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: May offer moderate wages suitable for entry-level or developing Sous Chefs.
- Catering Companies and Event Venues: These can offer opportunities for varied work but may have fluctuating pay based on seasonal demand.
The type of establishment impacts salary ranges due to factors like clientele, menu complexity, and scale of operations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Missoula for Sous Chefs
If you are considering careers related to the Sous Chef position, here are a few similar roles worth exploring:
These include Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager, which share related culinary and management responsibilities with Sous Chefs.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Missoula
Sous Chefs should be aware of important labor and tax regulations affecting their employment in Montana:
- Visit the official Montana government website for detailed state labor laws and resources.
- For federal guidelines on labor standards and employment rights, refer to the U.S. Department of Labor website.