Sous Chef Salary in Palm Bay, FL
Sous Chefs in Palm Bay, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $20.00 per hour, equating to about $800.00 per week, $3,466.67 per month, and $41,600.00 per year.
The employment outlook for Sous Chefs in Palm Bay is looking positive, with a 5% job growth rate per year. This suggests a healthy demand for culinary professionals taking on leadership and kitchen management roles in the region.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Palm Bay, FL?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Palm Bay can vary depending on experience and establishment type. Here’s a breakdown of earnings across different experience levels to give a clearer picture:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $39,520.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.00 | $840.00 | $3,640.00 | $43,680.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Palm Bay Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs usually do not earn tips as their role is primarily kitchen-based with limited direct customer interaction. Their income mainly comes from their salary or hourly wage.
Sous Chef Salary in Palm Bay vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $25.00 per hour and approximately $52,000 per year. Compared to this, Sous Chefs in Palm Bay earn a bit less, at about $20.00 per hour and $41,600 annually.
This difference can be influenced by the local cost of living and the scale of culinary establishments in Palm Bay.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Palm Bay for Sous Chefs
If you are willing to commute or relocate within the region, salaries for Sous Chefs can vary slightly:
- Area 1: $20.00 per hour
- Area 2: $21.00 per hour
The highest paying nearby areas provide opportunities to earn a little more compared to Palm Bay itself.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Palm Bay?
Several factors affect the salary of a Sous Chef, including:
- Experience and Expertise: More years cooking professionally and mastering kitchen leadership usually commands higher pay.
- Skills and Specializations: Proficiency in multiple cuisines or culinary techniques can increase salary potential.
- Type and Size of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants generally pay more compared to casual or fast-casual places.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary degrees and certifications can differentiate candidates and enhance earnings.
- Work Hours and Responsibilities: Managing larger teams or working premium shifts may lead to wage increases.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Palm Bay
Becoming a Sous Chef involves building culinary skills and leadership capabilities through formal training and experience. Here are some key steps:
- Complete a Culinary Management Program: Eastern Florida State College offers an Associate in Science degree in Culinary Management, providing hands-on and theoretical training geared toward future kitchen leaders.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The ServSafe Certification is essential training, ensuring knowledge of food handling and safety standards mandated in the hospitality industry.
- Gain Experience: Begin as a Line Cook or Commis Chef and advance through kitchen ranks by demonstrating skill and leadership.
- Develop Management Skills: Learning to coordinate kitchen staff and operations is crucial for a Sous Chef role.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Palm Bay
Several key employers in Palm Bay frequently look for Sous Chefs to support and oversee kitchen operations, including:
- Morrison Healthcare
- Compass Group
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Palm Bay Work At
Sous Chefs commonly find themselves working in a range of foodservice establishments:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often offer higher salaries due to the skill and complexity involved.
- Casual Dining: A balanced salary range with steady work hours.
- Hotels and Resorts: May provide comprehensive benefits and opportunities for advancement.
- Catering Companies: Dynamic work environments with variable pay based on events.
- Fast Casual Chains: Pay can be lower but may offer entry points for career growth.
The type of establishment greatly impacts the salary, with upscale venues generally offering higher compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Palm Bay for Sous Chefs
If you’re considering similar positions to Sous Chef, here are a few related roles in the culinary and hospitality industry that share some overlap in skills and responsibilities:
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Restaurant Manager, each offering unique career paths in the hospitality sector.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Palm Bay
It’s important for Sous Chefs in Palm Bay to understand the relevant labor laws and tax requirements.
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for comprehensive information on employment standards, wage laws, and workplace safety.
- The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity provides state-specific employment services and labor market data.