Sous Chef Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
Sous Chefs in Virginia Beach, VA, in 2025, earn approximately $31.36 per hour, which translates to about $1,254.40 per week, $5,435.73 per month, and $65,228.80 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Virginia Beach is growing at a healthy rate of about 5% per year, indicating promising job opportunities and expanding culinary operations in the area.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Virginia Beach, VA?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Virginia Beach can vary depending on experience, skills, and the type of establishment. Below is a breakdown of earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $24.22 | $968.80 | $4,191.07 | $50,257.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $31.36 | $1,254.40 | $5,435.73 | $65,228.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $40.59 | $1,623.60 | $7,013.87 | $84,067.20 |
Do Sous Chefs in Virginia Beach Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily in the kitchen and not customer-facing. Their compensation mostly comes from their salary or hourly wage rather than gratuities.
Sous Chef Salary in Virginia Beach vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of $31.36 per hour, translating to about $65,228.80 per year.
Comparing this to Virginia Beach, the salaries are aligned closely with the national average, reflecting a competitive culinary market that values skilled Sous Chefs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Virginia Beach for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer slightly varied salaries for Sous Chefs:
- Fairfax: $37.50 per hour
- Tysons Corner: $36.25 per hour
The higher pay in Fairfax and Tysons Corner may be due to different cost of living factors and the scale of culinary establishments.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Virginia Beach?
Several factors influence the salary of a Sous Chef in Virginia Beach:
- Experience and Expertise: Experienced Sous Chefs skilled in management and culinary techniques command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, or resorts tend to offer better pay than casual dining.
- Specialized Skills: Knowledge of specific cuisines or dietary requirements can increase earning potential.
- Certifications: Culinary certifications and food safety knowledge improve prospects.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening and weekend shifts might offer higher compensation due to demand.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Virginia Beach
Starting a career as a Sous Chef involves several steps to prepare for this role:
- Culinary Education: Completing a program like the Culinary Arts Program at Culinary Institute of Virginia provides hands-on training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety, preparing candidates for roles like Sous Chef.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtaining the ServSafe Certification, a food and beverage safety training certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association, is essential for compliance and professionalism.
- Gain Experience: Working as a line cook or in other kitchen roles helps build practical skills needed for Sous Chef responsibilities.
- Leadership Skills: Developing management skills is important since Sous Chefs often supervise kitchen staff and assist with operations.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Virginia Beach
Several reputable establishments in Virginia Beach look for qualified Sous Chefs, including:
- Waterside Restaurant
- Terrapin Restaurant
- The Bee & The Biscuit
- Waterman's Surfside Grille
- Commune
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Virginia Beach Work At
Sous Chefs in Virginia Beach typically work at various types of establishments, such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often offer higher pay due to the skill level and quality demanded.
- Casual and Fast Casual Eateries: May provide more entry-level opportunities but with comparatively lower salaries.
- Hotels and Resorts: Can provide steady work with benefits and higher wages tied to luxury service.
- Catering Companies: Often involve varied environments and can influence compensation based on event sizes.
The type of establishment impacts both salary and work responsibilities of a Sous Chef significantly.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Virginia Beach for Sous Chefs
If you are interested in careers related to Sous Chef, consider these similar roles:
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Kitchen Manager positions, which require culinary expertise and often involve leadership responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Virginia Beach
It is important for Sous Chefs to understand applicable labor laws and tax rules affecting their employment.
- For federal labor laws and employment information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Virginia-specific labor and employment resources are available on the Virginia government website.