Sous Chef Salary in St. Petersburg, FL
Sous Chefs in St. Petersburg, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $27.51 per hour, which translates to about $1,100.40 per week, $4,768.40 per month, and $57,220.80 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in St. Petersburg is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy job market and increasing opportunities in the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in St. Petersburg, FL?
The salary of a Sous Chef in St. Petersburg varies depending on experience level and employer. Here's an overview of typical earnings by experience:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.50 | $900.00 | $3,900.00 | $46,800.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $27.50 | $1,100.00 | $4,766.67 | $57,200.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $33.50 | $1,340.00 | $5,793.33 | $69,680.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in St. Petersburg Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips directly as part of their compensation, since their role is mainly kitchen-based. However, some establishments may offer performance bonuses or profit sharing, but tips are generally not a significant part of a Sous Chef’s income.
Sous Chef Salary in St. Petersburg, FL vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn approximately $29.25 per hour, which corresponds to about $60,840 annually.
Compared to this, Sous Chefs in St. Petersburg earn slightly less on average, with an hourly rate of $27.51 and a yearly salary of $57,220.80. This difference may be influenced by regional cost of living and local market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Petersburg for Sous Chefs
Exploring nearby areas, certain neighborhoods offer better pay for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown: $28.50 per hour
- Old Northeast: $29.00 per hour
Those willing to commute to these areas might find slightly higher salaries compared to other parts of St. Petersburg, reflecting the local demand and presence of upscale establishments.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in St. Petersburg?
Several key factors affect what a Sous Chef can expect to earn in St. Petersburg:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced cooking techniques and leadership skills tend to command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, resorts, or hotels generally offer better pay compared to casual dining or fast-casual eateries.
- Certifications and Education: Professional certifications such as the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) can increase earning potential.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Working nights, weekends, or holidays might yield additional compensation.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: While St. Petersburg has a moderate cost of living, pay scales may vary depending on the neighborhood and economic factors.
How To Become a Sous Chef in St. Petersburg
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in St. Petersburg, consider these steps:
- Complete Culinary Education: Enroll in programs such as the Pinellas Technical College Culinary Arts Program for hands-on experience and industry certifications or the St. Petersburg College Hospitality and Tourism Management courses for hospitality knowledge.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Manager Certification are essential for food safety compliance.
- Earn Professional Credentials: Achieve the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) by the American Culinary Federation to validate your skills and experience.
- Gain Practical Kitchen Experience: Work as a cook or junior chef to develop skills and advance to Sous Chef roles.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in St. Petersburg
Some of the leading employers recruiting Sous Chefs in the St. Petersburg area include:
- Marriott International
- Sirata Beach Resort
- HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital
Establishments That Sous Chefs in St. Petersburg Work At
Sous Chefs commonly work in a wide variety of foodservice settings including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments usually offer the highest salaries and require precision and creativity.
- Hotels and Resorts: Large hospitality venues often have well-developed kitchens with more opportunities for advancement and competitive pay.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: While these can offer fewer perks, they may provide steady work and experience.
- Hospitals and Institutions: These employers might offer different working conditions and salary scales.
The type of establishment heavily influences compensation due to differences in scale, clientele, and complexity of menu offerings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Petersburg for Sous Chefs
If you are exploring alternatives or career growth paths related to being a Sous Chef, consider these related hospitality roles:
This includes positions such as Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Kitchen Manager, which are natural progressions or lateral moves within culinary and hospitality management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in St. Petersburg
It is important for Sous Chefs working in St. Petersburg to understand local, state, and federal labor laws alongside tax obligations.
- For federal labor laws and employment standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Florida-specific labor laws and regulations can be found on the State of Florida's official site.
- Local employment rules and resources for St. Petersburg workers are available at the City of St. Petersburg's official website.