Sous Chef Salary in Wichita, KS
Sous Chefs in Wichita, KS, in 2025, earn approximately $26.20 per hour, which translates to about $1,048.00 per week, $4,541.33 per month, and $54,496.00 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Wichita is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for this culinary role in the region.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Wichita, KS?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Wichita can vary based on experience and employer, but here is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.00 | $880.00 | $3,813.33 | $45,760.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $26.20 | $1,048.00 | $4,541.33 | $54,496.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $34.80 | $1,392.00 | $6,016.00 | $72,192.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Wichita Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen rather than direct customer interaction. Their compensation is mainly from their salary or wages.
Sous Chef Salary in Wichita vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of about $26.20 per hour and approximately $54,496 per year.
Wichita Sous Chefs earn roughly the same as the national average in terms of hourly and yearly salary, which reflects a competitive pay scale within the city.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wichita for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas near Wichita show slightly elevated wages for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown: $27.50 per hour
- Eastborough: $28.00 per hour
Deciding to work in these areas might provide a salary boost compared to the city average.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Wichita?
Several important factors can impact how much a Sous Chef earns in Wichita:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Sous Chefs with advanced cooking skills and leadership abilities can command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Salaries differ widely between fine dining restaurants, hotels, resorts, and casual eateries, with upscale venues tending to offer higher wages.
- Certifications and Training: Holding credentials like ServSafe Certification or being a Certified Sous Chef (CSC) can enhance earning potential.
- Hours and Shifts: Working evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may come with additional pay premiums.
- Local Economic Conditions: Wichita’s cost of living and demand for culinary professionals influence salary levels.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Wichita
Building a career as a Sous Chef in Wichita involves several key steps:
- Formal Culinary Education: Enroll in programs like the Culinary Arts at WSU Tech, which offers hands-on training at the National Institute for Culinary and Hospitality Education (NICHE) in downtown Wichita.
- Additional Culinary Training: The Redler Institute of Culinary Arts at Butler Community College in nearby Andover provides comprehensive culinary education guided by industry professionals.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Programs such as the ServSafe Certification are essential for maintaining health standards in professional kitchens.
- Pursue Professional Certification: Consider obtaining the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential through the American Culinary Federation to formally validate your skills.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start as a line cook or commis chef to develop your skills and advance to the Sous Chef position.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Wichita
Some of the notable employers in Wichita currently hiring Sous Chefs include:
- Crestview Country Club
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
- Wesley Medical Center
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Wichita Work At
Sous Chefs work in a wide variety of culinary environments in Wichita, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often offer higher salaries and opportunities for creative culinary expression.
- Hotels and Resorts: Provide steady employment with potential for advancement and better benefits.
- Country Clubs and Catering Facilities: May offer competitive wages and include event-based work.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically have lower salary ranges but can offer steady hours and experience building.
The type of establishment impacts earnings, with prestigious or high-end venues generally paying more to experienced Sous Chefs.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wichita for Sous Chefs
If you’re interested in roles related to Sous Chef, here are some similar careers worth considering:
These include Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Kitchen Manager, roles that involve advanced culinary leadership and management responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Wichita
Sous Chefs in Wichita should be aware of federal and state labor laws governing employment conditions and tax obligations.
- For information on federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For details specific to Kansas state labor laws and workforce regulations, consult the State of Kansas official website.