The average hourly wage for Sous Chefs in Des Moines is around $18 per hour. While this serves as a baseline, actual earnings can vary significantly depending on where the Sous Chef works, the type of establishment and their experience and certifications.
If you’re curious about which restaurants pay Sous Chefs the most in Des Moines, this guide will walk you through the city’s top-paying spots. We’ll also explain key factors affecting salary and offer tips on how to secure a well-paying Sous Chef position in Des Moines.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Sous Chefs in Des Moines, IA- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Sous Chef Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Sous Chef Job in Des Moines
- What’s the Outlook for Sous Chef Jobs in Des Moines in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Sous Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Des Moines?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Des Moines Sous Chef Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Sous Chefs in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines offers a variety of restaurant styles and some establishments are known for rewarding their Sous Chefs with higher pay and growth opportunities. Here are some of the finest spots where the culinary team can earn well.
1. Django
An upscale bistro offering French-inspired dishes, Django is praised for its modern approach and farm-to-table ingredients. It provides a dynamic kitchen environment where Sous Chefs can hone skills and often receive above-average compensation.
2. Centro
Centro is recognized for its inventive Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in a lively setting. The kitchen team, including Sous Chefs, benefits from high volume and strong patronage, creating solid earning potential.
3. Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Known as one of the oldest breweries in Des Moines, this establishment combines classic and contemporary pub fare. Sous Chefs here experience a blend of traditional recipes and innovation, accompanied by competitive wages.
4. Fong's Pizza
Fong’s Pizza has built a unique brand with its Asian-Italian fusion menu. The creative culinary demands and growing local popularity translate into opportunities for Sous Chefs to earn well and develop their craft.
5. Machine Shed
Known for hearty Midwestern cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, Machine Shed is a local favorite. Sous Chefs here may benefit from consistent demand and solid pay, particularly due to its large-scale catering and banquet services.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Sous Chef Earnings
The type of restaurant where a Sous Chef works plays a major role in their earning potential. Upscale and fine dining restaurants tend to pay more, reflecting the complexity and higher expectations of their menus.
Casual dining or fast-casual establishments might offer lower base wages but the opportunity for steady hours and potential bonuses make them viable options for many. Certification and experience can also influence pay, with specialized skills commanding premium rates.
Some important factors impacting earnings include:
- Restaurant Category: Fine dining vs. casual or fast-casual
- Location: Downtown or affluent neighborhoods often pay more
- Experience & Credentials: Certified Chefs or those with management experience boost earning power
- Kitchen Size & Volume: Large venues with banquet services often have better salary scales
How To Find a High Paying Sous Chef Job in Des Moines
Tailor Your Application
Highlight your culinary education, certifications and previous leadership roles. Emphasizing your expertise in menu development or inventory management makes your resume stand out.
Network with Industry Professionals
Attend local food industry events, culinary festivals and join Des Moines’ Chef associations. Personal connections often open doors to higher-paying kitchen roles.
Research Target Restaurants
Focus your job search on upscale and high-volume restaurants. Visit in person when possible to demonstrate enthusiasm and professionalism.
Prepare for Interviews
Be ready to discuss your management approach, how you handle kitchen challenges and your culinary style. Bring ideas on improving restaurant operations if asked.
What’s the Outlook for Sous Chef Jobs in Des Moines in 2025 and Beyond?
The culinary scene in Des Moines is expanding, with new restaurants and food concepts emerging regularly. Demand for skilled kitchen leaders like Sous Chefs is expected to remain stable or grow slightly through 2025.
According to labor market data, the hospitality sector in Des Moines benefits from a growing population and increasing tourism. This supports employment opportunities for Sous Chefs particularly in trendy downtown venues and larger hotel kitchens.
Culinary trends focusing on local and sustainable ingredients also generate demand for talented Sous Chefs who can innovate and manage kitchens efficiently.
Is a Sous Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Des Moines?
With an average hourly rate of around $18, the annual income for Sous Chefs in Des Moines ranges approximately from $35,000 to $45,000 depending on hours and bonuses.
Des Moines has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many U.S. cities. Here’s a quick breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $900 - $1,100
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.): $150
- Groceries: $250 - $350
- Transportation (public or gas): $100 - $150
For Sous Chefs earning at or above the average wage, it is possible to live comfortably while saving a moderate amount, especially if sharing housing or budgeting carefully.
Overall, the combination of decent wages and a manageable cost of living makes Des Moines a solid choice for culinary professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Des Moines Sous Chef Jobs
We selected these particular restaurants based on a combination of reported salaries from current employees, job listing data and industry reputation for valuing kitchen leadership.
Key points in our selection process included:
- Competitive Compensation: Establishments known to offer above-average wages for Sous Chefs.
- Benefits and Growth: Restaurants providing additional benefits such as healthcare or opportunities for advancement.
- Location and Prestige: Popular venues in prime Des Moines neighborhoods with strong culinary reputations.
These elements ensure that the listed restaurants provide not only financial rewards but also professional development in a supportive environment.
