Sous Chef Salary in Thornton, CO
Sous Chefs in Thornton, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $22.00 per hour, which translates to about $880.00 per week, $3,813.33 per month, and $45,760.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Thornton is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding market for culinary talent and leadership in the region's food service industry.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Thornton, CO?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Thornton can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.00 | $880.00 | $3,813.33 | $45,760.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $27.00 | $1,080.00 | $4,680.00 | $56,160.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Thornton Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes, focusing on kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer interaction. Their compensation mainly relies on salaries or hourly wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Thornton vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $22.00 per hour, which corresponds to about $45,760.00 per year.
Comparing this to Thornton, Sous Chefs earn similarly at about $22.00 per hour and $45,760.00 annually, indicating pay rates that align well with the national averages.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Thornton for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay levels for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown Thornton: $24.00 per hour
- Eastlake: $23.00 per hour
These variations reflect the differing demand and cost of living factors influencing salaries in proximate neighborhoods.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Thornton?
Several critical factors can influence a Sous Chef’s salary in Thornton:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Sous Chefs with refined skills in kitchen operations and leadership are often rewarded with higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Salaries can vary depending on whether the Sous Chef works in fine dining, casual restaurants, hotels, or catering companies.
- Size and Reputation of Employer: Larger or more prestigious restaurants tend to offer better salaries to attract talented chefs.
- Certifications and Education: Holding culinary certifications like those from the Colorado government website or food safety credentials such as ServSafe can increase earning prospects.
- Shift and Hours: Working evening, weekend, or holiday shifts might come with premium pay.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Thornton
Becoming a Sous Chef in Thornton involves developing both culinary skills and leadership abilities. Here are some steps you can take:
- Obtain Formal Culinary Education: Enroll in programs such as those offered by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, which provides comprehensive culinary arts diplomas and associate degrees focusing on classical and modern techniques.
- Earn Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Certification is essential for ensuring safe food handling practices and is recognized widely in the industry.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Start working in entry-level kitchen roles such as line cook or prep cook to build foundational skills.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Experience managing kitchen staff and operations is crucial to advancing to a Sous Chef role.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Thornton
If you’re seeking opportunities as a Sous Chef in Thornton, consider these prominent employers:
- The Old Spaghetti Factory
- Maddie's Seafood & Spaghetti House
- Gloria's Latin Cuisine
- Ristorante Calore
- Bonefish Grill Thornton
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Thornton Work At
Sous Chefs commonly find themselves employed across various types of food service establishments, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often offer the highest salaries due to the demanding nature and skill level required.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Provide valuable experience but typically offer lower wages than fine dining.
- Hotels and Resorts: These often provide steady work and benefits, with pay varying by location and prestige.
- Catering and Banquet Services: May offer seasonal work and varying pay scales depending on event frequency.
The type of establishment can significantly impact a Sous Chef's salary and growth opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Thornton for Sous Chefs
Those interested in roles similar to a Sous Chef might consider related positions that require culinary expertise and kitchen management skills.
This includes roles such as Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Executive Chef, each offering different responsibilities and salary potentials within the culinary field.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Thornton
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is essential for Sous Chefs to ensure proper compliance and fair employment conditions.
- For relevant state regulations, the Official website of the State of Colorado provides comprehensive resources on employment laws and worker rights.
- For federal labor standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's official website to learn about wage laws, overtime, and workplace safety.