Sous Chef Salary in Vacaville, CA
Sous Chefs in Vacaville, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $22.50 per hour, which translates to about $900.00 per week, $3,900.00 per month, and $46,800.00 per year.
The job market for Sous Chefs in Vacaville is experiencing positive growth of about 6% per year, indicating a steady increase in demand for skilled culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Vacaville, CA?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Vacaville varies based on experience and employer, but the general pay scale can be broken down as follows:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $39,520.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.50 | $900.00 | $3,900.00 | $46,800.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Vacaville Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips since they work primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their compensation comes mainly from their salary, though any tips earned usually go to front-of-house staff.
Sous Chef Salary in Vacaville vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs make an average hourly wage of about $20.76, translating to roughly $43,180.80 per year.
Comparatively, Sous Chefs in Vacaville earn slightly higher wages at $22.50 hourly and $46,800 annually, likely due to local market conditions and cost of living factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Vacaville for Sous Chefs
Sous Chefs working in neighborhoods close to Vacaville may see different pay rates:
- Downtown Vacaville: $23.00 per hour
- Nut Tree Plaza: $24.00 per hour
Positions in Nut Tree Plaza tend to offer higher hourly wages, reflecting the area's culinary demand and possibly upscale dining options.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Vacaville?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Vacaville is influenced by several important factors that affect earning potential:
- Experience and Expertise: More seasoned Sous Chefs command higher pay due to their refined culinary skills and leadership experience.
- Skills and Specializations: Mastery of various cuisines or management skills can boost salary prospects.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and resorts generally pay more compared to casual dining or fast-casual settings.
- Size of the Kitchen: Larger kitchens with more staff require greater management responsibility, often resulting in higher wages.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: Higher local demand for culinary talent and living expenses impact wage rates.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Vacaville
Becoming a Sous Chef in Vacaville involves formal education, practical experience, and certifications that enhance your qualifications.
Many aspiring Sous Chefs enroll in culinary training programs such as the Napa Valley College Culinary Arts Program or the Solano Community College Culinary Arts Program. These programs provide strong foundations in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and food safety.
Obtaining credentials like the ServSafe Food Manager Certification is highly recommended, as it is often required for kitchen supervisory roles. Additionally, earning the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can significantly improve job prospects and career growth.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Vacaville
Several notable employers in Vacaville are consistently looking for skilled Sous Chefs, such as:
- Cogir Senior Living
- Thistle Health Inc
- Hoshi Japan Hibachi Restaurant
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Vacaville Work At
Sous Chefs in Vacaville can find work across a range of establishment types:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often offering the highest pay due to sophistication and customer expectations.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Generally provide moderate wages, suited for those gaining experience.
- Hotels and Resorts: Typically pay well and offer benefits for culinary staff, including Sous Chefs.
- Catering Companies and Senior Living Facilities: Pay varies based on scale and clientele but can provide steady employment.
The type of establishment plays an important role in salary levels, with high-end venues tending to offer greater compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Vacaville for Sous Chefs
If you're interested in positions related to Sous Chef roles, here are some similar culinary career options worth exploring:
These include Chef, Head Chef, and Kitchen Manager roles, which share culinary management responsibilities and offer various salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Vacaville
Sous Chefs should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax requirements to ensure compliance and adequate compensation.
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for comprehensive labor regulations.
- For state-specific employment rules and workplace regulations, consult the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- City-specific labor resources and regulations can be found at the City of Vacaville official website.