Sous Chef Salary in Salt Lake City, UT
Sous Chefs in Salt Lake City, UT, in 2025, earn approximately $28.42 per hour, which translates to about $1,136.80 per week, $4,926.13 per month, and $59,113.60 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Salt Lake City is growing steadily at about 5% per year, showing promising opportunities for culinary professionals in this role within the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Salt Lake City, UT?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Salt Lake City varies based on experience and skill level. Below is an overview of typical earnings depending on experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.71 | $908.40 | $3,927.60 | $47,260.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.42 | $1,136.80 | $4,926.13 | $59,113.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $35.57 | $1,422.80 | $6,160.53 | $73,985.60 |
Do Sous Chefs in Salt Lake City Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not receive tips as their role is primarily focused on kitchen operations rather than direct customer service. Their compensation generally comes from salary or hourly wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Salt Lake City vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average hourly wage of about $29.92, which amounts to approximately $62,233.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Salt Lake City make slightly less at $28.42 per hour and $59,113.60 annually. This difference may be influenced by local cost of living and labor market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Salt Lake City for Sous Chefs
The following nearby areas offer higher salaries for Sous Chefs, providing options for culinary professionals seeking better pay:
- Downtown: $30.50 per hour
- Sugar House: $32.00 per hour
These areas tend to have upscale dining establishments and hotels, which contribute to higher wages for Sous Chefs.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Salt Lake City?
Several factors affect how much a Sous Chef can earn in Salt Lake City:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Sous Chefs who demonstrate strong leadership and culinary expertise typically command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and resorts tend to offer higher salaries than casual or fast-casual dining venues.
- Specialized Skills: Expertise in specific cuisines or advanced culinary techniques can enhance earning potential.
- Certifications and Education: Formal culinary education and certifications such as the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential can boost salary.
- Shift and Work Hours: Working nights, weekends, or holiday shifts may come with premium pay.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Salt Lake City
Becoming a successful Sous Chef in Salt Lake City involves several steps to build skills and credibility.
- Obtain Culinary Education: Enroll in culinary programs offered by institutions like Salt Lake Culinary Education or Park City Culinary Institute to gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience.
- Earn Key Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe and Certified Sous Chef (CSC) demonstrate commitment to food safety and culinary excellence.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen positions and progressively take on more responsibility to learn kitchen management and execute dishes.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Working closely with Executive Chefs and leading kitchen teams prepares you for Sous Chef roles.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City offers opportunities with prestigious employers including:
- The Grand America Hotel
- Snowbird Resort
- Sundance Mountain Resort
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Salt Lake City Work At
Sous Chefs typically find employment in a variety of food service and hospitality settings including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These venues offer higher wages due to the complexity of menus and customer expectations.
- Hotels and Resorts: Large hotels provide steady employment and may offer benefits and opportunities for advancement.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Establishments: While pay is generally lower here, these kitchens offer valuable experience and quicker paths to leadership roles.
- Catering and Banquet Services: These settings can offer variant pay depending on event volume and complexity.
The type of establishment plays an important role in salary differences among Sous Chefs in the area.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Salt Lake City for Sous Chefs
If you are exploring careers related to Sous Chef, consider these similar roles that offer comparable culinary opportunities:
These include Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Kitchen Manager, all of which involve culinary management and advanced kitchen responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Salt Lake City
Understanding labor laws and tax requirements is important for Sous Chefs to protect their rights and handle finances responsibly.
- Refer to the Federal Department of Labor website for nationwide labor regulations and guidance.
- For state-specific information, visit the Utah Department of Workforce Services for employment and labor laws.