Sous Chef Salary in Sacramento, CA
Sous Chefs in Sacramento, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $27.93 per hour, which translates to about $1,117.20 per week, $4,841.20 per month, and $58,094.40 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Sacramento is growing steadily at about 8% per year, indicating a positive outlook for culinary professionals seeking advancement in the region’s food service industry.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Sacramento, CA?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Sacramento varies depending on experience and employer. Below is a breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $24.35 | $974.00 | $4,204.67 | $50,456.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $30.19 | $1,207.60 | $5,218.27 | $62,595.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $39.03 | $1,561.20 | $6,766.40 | $81,134.40 |
Do Sous Chefs in Sacramento Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs generally do not earn tips since their role is primarily focused on kitchen management and food preparation behind the scenes rather than direct customer service. Their compensation mainly comes through salary or wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Sacramento vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average hourly wage of about $29.32, which equates to roughly $60,985.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Sacramento earn slightly less on average, with an hourly wage of $27.93 and an annual salary of $58,094.40. This may reflect regional cost of living differences and local market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Sacramento for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer varying compensation for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown Sacramento: $28.50 per hour
- Midtown Sacramento: $27.80 per hour
Those working in Downtown Sacramento may find better pay opportunities compared to Midtown, though both areas offer competitive wages in the local market.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Sacramento?
Several key factors can influence how much a Sous Chef earns in Sacramento:
- Experience: More experienced Sous Chefs typically command higher salaries due to enhanced skills and leadership abilities.
- Skills and Culinary Expertise: Mastery of diverse cuisines and kitchen management skills can positively impact earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, hotels, or resort kitchens usually offers higher pay compared to casual dining or fast-casual venues.
- Work Hours and Overtime: Extra shifts, weekend work, or overtime can increase total compensation.
- Local Economic Factors: Sacramento’s cost of living and culinary market dynamics also play a role in salary levels.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Sacramento
Becoming a Sous Chef in Sacramento involves several steps to build your culinary career:
- Complete Culinary Training: Enroll in reputable programs like the American River College Culinary Arts Program or the Sacramento City College Culinary Arts Program. These provide hands-on skills and kitchen management knowledge.
- Earn Certifications: Obtaining the ServSafe Food Manager Certification is important for food safety expertise. You can also pursue the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential from the American Culinary Federation for professional recognition.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start by working as a line cook or commis chef to develop kitchen skills, then progress through gaining leadership experience.
- Develop Management Skills: Sous Chefs need strong communication and team supervision abilities to excel.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Sacramento
Some of the prominent employers looking for skilled Sous Chefs in Sacramento include:
- Hilton
- UC Davis
- Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Sacramento Work At
Sous Chefs work across a wide variety of establishments within Sacramento’s hospitality industry:
- Upscale Restaurants: These venues often provide higher salary potential and opportunities for creativity but may demand long hours.
- Hotels and Resorts: Large hotel kitchens offer stable work with benefits and competitive pay.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Dining: These establishments may offer steadier hours but typically lower pay than upscale venues.
- Catering Companies and Event Venues: Can provide diverse experience though earnings vary depending on contract and client.
The type and prestige of the establishment greatly affect the salary potential for a Sous Chef.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Sacramento for Sous Chefs
If you are interested in similar career paths to Sous Chef, consider exploring these roles:
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Kitchen Manager positions, which share many skills and responsibilities with the Sous Chef role.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Sacramento
Sous Chefs should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax requirements relevant to working in Sacramento and California.
- Information on federal labor laws and occupational statistics can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
- The California Department of Industrial Relations website offers detailed guidelines on state-specific labor laws and workplace regulations.