Sous Chef Salary in Newark, NJ
Sous Chefs in Newark, NJ, in 2025, earn approximately $31.92 per hour, which translates to about $1,276.80 per week, $5,532.80 per month, and $66,393.60 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Newark is growing steadily at about 10% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities for culinary professionals in this role.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Newark, NJ?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Newark varies by level of experience. Below is an overview of typical earnings at various stages of a Sous Chef's career in Newark.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $27.40 | $1,096.00 | $4,752.53 | $57,248.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $31.92 | $1,276.80 | $5,532.80 | $66,393.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $37.20 | $1,488.00 | $6,432.00 | $77,376.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Newark Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily in kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer interaction. Their compensation mainly consists of salary or wages without additional tip income.
Sous Chef Salary in Newark vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $31.25 per hour, which translates to approximately $65,000 per year.
Compared to this, Sous Chefs in Newark earn a slightly higher hourly wage at $31.92 per hour and an annual salary of about $66,393.60, reflecting the local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Newark for Sous Chefs
When looking at neighborhoods near Newark, salaries vary slightly:
- Downtown Newark: $33.50 per hour
- Ironbound District: $35.00 per hour
The Ironbound District offers the highest pay for Sous Chefs nearby, which may appeal to professionals seeking better compensation within commuting distance.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Newark?
Several key factors affect the salary of a Sous Chef in Newark:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Sous Chefs with strong leadership and culinary skills can command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants often pay more than casual or fast-casual venues due to higher standards and expectations.
- Specialized Skills: Expertise in certain cuisines or advanced culinary techniques improves earning potential.
- Certifications and Training: Holding professional certificates can enhance credibility and pay scale.
- Work Hours and Shift Differentials: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays might come with additional compensation.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Newark
Becoming a successful Sous Chef in Newark involves several important steps:
- Complete Culinary Education: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Essex County College or Professional Culinary Arts at Hudson County Community College offer valuable training in culinary techniques and kitchen management.
- Obtain Certification: Earning credentials like the ServSafe Certification, essential for food safety compliance, or the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) by the American Culinary Federation, which recognizes professional expertise, can improve career prospects.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Working your way up in kitchens from line cook or Commis Chef positions to more responsible roles builds the skills needed.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Since Sous Chefs manage kitchen teams, strong organizational and communication abilities are crucial.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Newark
Notable employers in Newark actively seeking Sous Chefs include:
- OTG Management
- Master ConcessionAir
- Brock & Company
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Newark Work At
Sous Chefs commonly work in a range of culinary settings including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: High-level establishments offering elevated pay and complex culinary challenges.
- Casual Dining: Restaurants that provide consistent hours and stable income with slightly lower wages.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger kitchens with more structured management roles often pay competitively.
- Catering Services: Opportunities for varied menus and special events can affect salary.
The type of establishment greatly impacts a Sous Chef’s earnings, with upscale venues typically offering the highest pay.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Newark for Sous Chefs
If you’re exploring career options similar to Sous Chef, here are some related roles to consider:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Chef de Cuisine roles, all involving leadership and expert culinary skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Newark
It's important for Sous Chefs in Newark to understand their rights and responsibilities under labor laws as well as taxation requirements.
- Information on federal labor laws and employment statistics can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific resources and regulations, the New Jersey official government website provides comprehensive guidance.