Sous Chef Salary in Riverside, CA
Sous Chefs in Riverside, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $33.94 per hour, which translates to about $1,357.60 per week, $5,882.93 per month, and $70,595.20 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Riverside is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting positive job growth and increasing opportunities within the culinary industry in this region.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Riverside, CA?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Riverside varies depending on factors such as experience, skills, and employer. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $27.38 | $1,095.20 | $4,743.07 | $56,942.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $33.94 | $1,357.60 | $5,882.93 | $70,595.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $42.08 | $1,683.20 | $7,264.53 | $87,430.40 |
Do Sous Chefs in Riverside Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs generally do not earn tips as their role typically involves behind-the-scenes coordination and cooking rather than direct customer service. Their compensation is usually based on salary or hourly wages without significant tips.
Sous Chef Salary in Riverside vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $29.78 per hour, translating to approximately $61,942.40 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Riverside earn a higher hourly wage of $33.94 and a yearly salary of approximately $70,595.20.
This higher pay may be attributed to Riverside's regional market demands and cost of living factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Riverside for Sous Chefs
The following nearby areas offer the highest salaries for Sous Chefs in the Riverside vicinity:
- Downtown Riverside: $35.50 per hour
- Mission Grove: $34.80 per hour
Sous Chefs working in Downtown Riverside generally earn the highest wages within the local region.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Riverside?
Several factors influence a Sous Chef's salary in Riverside, including:
- Experience: More experienced Sous Chefs command higher salaries due to advanced skills and leadership capabilities.
- Skills and Specialization: Expertise in cuisine style, kitchen management, and culinary innovation can boost earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels tend to pay more than casual eateries.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary degrees and certifications can lead to better compensation.
- Location within Riverside: Certain neighborhoods and districts offer higher pay reflecting local demand.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Riverside
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in Riverside, one can follow several key steps.
- Complete a Culinary Arts Program: Riverside City College Culinary Arts Program offers comprehensive training in culinary practices, including hands-on experience and theory, which prepares students well for Sous Chef roles.
- Further Training: San Bernardino Valley College Culinary Arts Program provides focused education on kitchen management and safety.
- Obtain Certifications: The ServSafe Food Manager Certification is important for understanding food safety—a must for kitchen supervisors.
- Professional Certification: Earning the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential from the American Culinary Federation validates advanced skills and experience.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Riverside
Some of the prominent employers looking for skilled Sous Chefs in Riverside include:
- Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
- Westmont Village
- Remington Hospitality
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Riverside Work At
Sous Chefs typically work in:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments often pay the highest salaries due to their high demand for culinary excellence.
- Hotels and Resorts: Luxury hotels such as Mission Inn Hotel and Spa employ Sous Chefs to manage busy kitchens and ensure quality, often with competitive pay.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: These provide more entry-level opportunities but generally with lower wages.
- Catering Companies: Offering event-based work, catering chefs may earn varied pay depending on contract size and event scale.
The type of establishment plays a crucial role in salary, with upscale venues typically paying more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Riverside for Sous Chefs
If you're interested in similar roles, here are some related hospitality jobs in Riverside:
These include roles such as Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager, all closely related to Sous Chef duties and skillsets.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Riverside
Sous Chefs should be informed about relevant labor laws and tax regulations to manage their employment conditions and finances effectively.
- For information on federal employment regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California-specific employment laws and workplace standards can be found at the California Department of Industrial Relations site.