We’ve sourced 165 Sous Chef jobs in NYC — along with salaries, requirements, company information and more.
Sous Chef positions in New York often come with competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and the chance to work in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the country. From Michelin-starred restaurants in Manhattan to trendy eateries in Brooklyn, you can find a position that fits your skills and expertise.
How to Apply for Sous Chef Jobs in New York
Getting hired as a Sous Chef in New York requires preparation and a strong culinary background. Here’s how you can improve your chances:
- Gain Experience: Work in high-volume or fine dining restaurants to build your culinary skills and kitchen management expertise.
- Highlight Your Leadership Skills: Showcase your ability to manage kitchen staff, coordinate food preparation, and maintain quality standards.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with menu planning, inventory control, and team leadership.
- Leverage Job Boards: Check out OysterLink for the latest Sous Chef job openings in New York.
Why Work as a Sous Chef in New York?
New York offers a dynamic and competitive environment for Sous Chefs looking to excel in the culinary world. Here’s why this city is a great place for Sous Chefs:
- Prestigious Dining Scene: Home to some of the best restaurants and chefs in the world.
- Career Advancement: Many Sous Chefs progress to Executive Chef, Culinary Director, or restaurant ownership roles.
- Competitive Pay: Sous Chefs in New York earn between $60,000 and $85,000 per year, with opportunities for bonuses and profit sharing.
- Networking Opportunities: New York hosts top-tier culinary events, food festivals, and industry gatherings.
Key Responsibilities of a Sous Chef in New York
Sous Chefs play an essential role in ensuring kitchen efficiency and food quality. Key duties include:
- Supervising Kitchen Operations: Overseeing line cooks and kitchen staff to maintain efficiency and quality.
- Menu Development: Assisting in menu planning and creating new dishes.
- Inventory and Cost Control: Managing food inventory, ordering supplies, and reducing waste.
- Training Staff: Coaching and mentoring kitchen team members on best practices and techniques.
- Ensuring Food Safety Compliance: Maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen.
Top Areas to Find Sous Chef Jobs in New York
New York has several neighborhoods with a high demand for skilled Sous Chefs. Here are some of the best places to look for Sous Chef jobs:
- Upper East Side: Popular for fine dining and luxury hotel kitchens.
- Manhattan: Home to Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end dining establishments.
- Brooklyn: Features trendy restaurants and innovative culinary concepts.
- Queens: Offers opportunities in diverse international cuisine and growing food scenes.
- SoHo & Tribeca: Known for upscale dining and celebrity-chef-owned restaurants.
What's the Average Salary for Sous Chef Jobs in NYC?
On average, Sous Chefs who work in New York City can expect to earn around $67,503 per year. This amount is 17.02% higher than the U.S. average salary for this same position — making NYC a highly attractive option for those who wish to succeed in the culinary industry while receiving competitive pay.
Moreover, NYC has the highest average Sous Chef salary compared to other major cities like Miami ($60,151), Los Angeles ($62,954) and Chicago ($58,638).
How Much Do Other Back-of-House Roles in NYC Earn?
In New York City, Sous Chefs make more than what Kitchen Managers and what Pastry Chefs make. However, Sous Chefs in NYC earn significantly less than Lead Chefs and Executive Chefs, given that these two are more senior positions that require further experience and a higher level of culinary skills.
[Calculated using Indeed, Salary.com, ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor data]
This graph is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the graph to see detailed data.
Legal Requirements Applicable to Sous Chef Jobs in NYC
Let's take a look at some of the state laws and regulations that NYC-based Sous Chefs should know and adhere to.
1. Pay transparency
Under New York State's Pay Transparency Law, businesses with four or more employees have to disclose compensation ranges for job openings, promotions and transfers. This law also prevents employers from "retaliating" against employees who opt to discuss their compensation with their coworkers.
2. Food handler training and certification
Many NYC restaurants require employees whose daily responsibilities include preparing and serving dishes to have a food handler's certificate. As for newly hired employees who have not yet obtained this card, they must do so within 30 days.
3. Minimum age for employment
Although it's not always part of their primary responsibilities, Sous Chefs may occasionally assist in hiring new back-of-house staff members. That said, they must make sure to only accept applicants who are at least 14 years old, provided that the applicant has working papers. However, the legal work hours for minors (employees aged 14 to 18) vary depending on their age.