Sushi Chef Salary in Albany, NY
Sushi Chefs in Albany, NY, in 2025, earn approximately $20.31 per hour, which translates to about $812.40 per week, $3,520.40 per month, and $42,244.80 per year.
The demand for Sushi Chefs in Albany is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the culinary scene connected to Japanese cuisine in the area.
How Much Does a Sushi Chef Make in Albany, NY?
The earnings of a Sushi Chef in Albany vary based on experience and skill. Below is a breakdown of expected pay at different levels of expertise.
| 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) | $20.31 | $812.40 | $3,520.40 | $42,244.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
Do Sushi Chefs in Albany Earn Tips?
Sushi Chefs generally do not receive direct tips as their work is mainly behind the scenes preparing sushi. However, in some establishments, they may earn an additional amount equivalent to about $10 per hour in tips shared from front-of-house staff or included in service charges.
Sushi Chef Salary in Albany vs. National Average
Nationally, Sushi Chefs earn an average of around $16.94 per hour and approximately $35,235.20 per year.
When compared to the national average, Sushi Chefs in Albany earn about 20% more per hour, reflecting regional factors such as cost of living and local demand for skilled culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Albany for Sushi Chefs
Several nearby areas offer competitive wages for Sushi Chefs:
- Downtown Albany: $22.00 per hour
- Latham: $21.00 per hour
Sushi Chefs working downtown may find slightly higher salaries compared to those in other Albany suburbs, reflecting the area's higher concentration of upscale restaurants and sushi bars.
What Influences a Sushi Chef’s Salary in Albany?
Several factors play a significant role in determining the salary for a Sushi Chef in Albany:
- Experience and skill level: Seasoned Sushi Chefs with refined knife skills and creativity command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale or fine dining sushi restaurants often yields higher pay compared to casual eateries or conveyor belt sushi places.
- Certifications and Culinary Education: Holding certifications like ServSafe Food Handler Certification or specialized Sushi Chef Certification can enhance earning potential.
- Reputation and Clientele: Chefs at popular, high-end sushi bars with a loyal client base typically earn more.
- Shift and Working Hours: Some Sushi Chefs working evening or weekend shifts might benefit from shift differentials.
How To Become a Sushi Chef in Albany
To become a Sushi Chef in Albany, aspiring professionals can take several steps to build skills and credentials:
- Take specialized sushi classes: Programs like Sushi 101 - Hands On offered by Capital Cooks teach fundamental sushi preparation techniques including rice handling and roll making.
- Attend Sushi Making Classes: Offered by organizations such as Cozymeal, these provide hands-on training under expert chefs to perfect sushi-making skills.
- Obtain food safety certification: Earning the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is often required for food service professionals.
- Consider specialized certification: The Sushi Chef Certification demonstrates proficiency in advanced sushi preparation and presentation, enhancing employability.
- Gain experience: Starting as a kitchen assistant or sushi prep worker helps develop essential skills on the job.
Top Employers Hiring Sushi Chefs in Albany
Several well-known restaurants commonly seek qualified Sushi Chefs in the Albany area:
- Sushi by Bou
- Sushi Tei
- Shogun
Establishments That Sushi Chefs in Albany Work At
Sushi Chefs in Albany find employment across a variety of foodservice settings:
- Fine dining sushi restaurants: Often offering the highest salaries, these establishments emphasize high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship.
- Casual sushi bars and fast casual eateries: These may provide steadier hours but typically offer moderate wages.
- Hotel and resort restaurants: May offer competitive pay and benefit packages in exchange for versatility and professionalism.
- Catering and private events: Sushi Chefs working in these settings often experience seasonal fluctuations in income.
The nature of the establishment largely influences the salary levels, with luxury and specialty venues tending to offer superior wages compared to casual counterparts.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Albany for Sushi Chef
If you're interested in related culinary career paths in Albany, you might consider the following roles that share similar skills and prospects.
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Commis Chef positions, which involve similar culinary expertise and hierarchical roles in kitchen operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sushi Chefs in Albany
Sushi Chefs should be familiar with both federal and state labor regulations, as well as tax responsibilities relevant to their employment.
- For federal regulations visit the U.S. Department of Labor website, which provides comprehensive information on labor laws, wage standards, and worker rights.
- For New York-specific labor laws and resources, check the New York State Department of Labor website.