Sous Chef Salary in Charleston, SC
Sous Chefs in Charleston, SC, in 2026, earn approximately $28.72 per hour, which amounts to about $1,148.80 per week, $4,978.13 per month, and $59,737.60 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Charleston is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a promising outlook for this culinary leadership position in the region's dynamic food industry.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Charleston, SC?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Charleston can vary based on experience, skills, and the type of establishment. Below is a breakdown of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.21 | $888.40 | $3,848.07 | $46,176.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.72 | $1,148.80 | $4,978.13 | $59,737.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $37.15 | $1,486.00 | $6,429.33 | $77,272.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Charleston Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their primary responsibilities are in kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their income is mostly derived from their wages and salaries.
Sous Chef Salary in Charleston vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn on average about $30.56 per hour, which equates to roughly $63,564.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Charleston earn slightly less at $28.72 per hour and $59,737.60 annually. This difference reflects local economic factors and the specific dynamics of Charleston's culinary market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Charleston for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer slightly different compensation levels for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown Charleston: $30.00 per hour
- Mount Pleasant: $29.50 per hour
Sous Chefs working in Downtown Charleston can expect higher pay due to the area's concentration of upscale dining establishments and higher cost of living, while Mount Pleasant offers competitive wages as well.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Charleston?
Several factors affect the salary of a Sous Chef in Charleston:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced culinary techniques and leadership skills command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and resorts often pay more compared to casual dining or fast-casual venues.
- Certifications and Education: Holding certifications like the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) or food safety credentials such as ServSafe can increase earning potential.
- Reputation and Network: Being known in Charleston's culinary scene and having strong industry connections can lead to better job offers and pay.
- Shift and Workload: Working night shifts, holidays, or managing larger teams may bring higher compensation.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Charleston
Here are some key steps to become a Sous Chef in Charleston:
- Obtain Culinary Education: Enroll in reputable culinary arts programs such as those offered at the Culinary Institute of Charleston or Trident Technical College. These provide essential practical skills and management training.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certification like ServSafe is essential for kitchen management roles and is often required by employers.
- Gain Experience: Start as a line cook or commis chef and progressively take on more responsibility to build valuable kitchen experience.
- Professional Certification: Pursuing the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can boost credibility and job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Charleston
Charleston's culinary scene features several top employers actively hiring Sous Chefs:
- The Ordinary
- Husk Restaurant
- FIG Charleston
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Charleston Work At
Sous Chefs are crucial team members in various types of food service establishments, such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often offer the highest pay due to the level of skill and creativity required.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Salaries may be moderate but offer opportunities for growth and gaining experience.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger venues may pay competitive wages and provide benefits and upward mobility.
- Catering Companies and Private Clubs: These can offer unique challenges and sometimes lucrative compensation depending on client base.
The type of establishment greatly influences a Sous Chef’s salary, with more prestigious venues generally offering better pay and benefits.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Charleston for Sous Chefs
For those interested in similar career paths within the hospitality industry, the following roles share overlapping skills and responsibilities with Sous Chefs:
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, which offer leadership roles with varying focuses within kitchen and restaurant operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Charleston
Sous Chefs in Charleston should understand key labor laws and tax obligations at both federal and state levels to protect their rights and comply with regulations.
- Access the Federal Department of Labor website for information on wage laws, worker rights, and employment standards applicable nationwide.
- For South Carolina-specific labor regulations, visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation which provides state labor law details.