The average hourly wage for Sous Chefs in Nashville is around $22 per hour. This figure can fluctuate based on the restaurant’s style, location, and the Sous Chef's experience and certifications. Nashville’s flourishing food scene provides many opportunities for Sous Chefs to boost their earnings through both salary and potential bonuses.
If you're curious about which restaurants pay the most to Sous Chefs in Nashville, this article will guide you through some of the city’s top-paying spots. We’ll also explore the ways salary depends on various factors and share tips on how to secure a high-paying Sous Chef job in Nashville.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Sous Chefs in Nashville, TN- 1. The Catbird Seat
- 2. Kayne Prime
- 3. Husk Nashville
- 4. Etch Restaurant
- 5. Rolf & Daughters
- 6. Henrietta Red
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Sous Chef Earnings in Nashville
- How To Find a High Paying Sous Chef Job in Nashville
- What’s the Outlook for Sous Chef Jobs in Nashville in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Sous Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Nashville?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Nashville Sous Chef Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Sous Chefs in Nashville, TN
Nashville’s culinary landscape is vibrant and ever expanding, offering excellent earning opportunities for skilled Sous Chefs. Below are some of the highest-paying restaurants known for great kitchen leadership roles:
1. The Catbird Seat
Renowned for its innovative tasting menus and exclusive dining experience, The Catbird Seat offers a fast-paced work environment where Sous Chefs collaborate closely with Chefs to create unforgettable dishes. This acclaimed restaurant rewards experienced kitchen staff with strong pay and growth potential.
2. Kayne Prime
Kayne Prime specializes in modern steakhouse cuisine with a twist. Its upscale atmosphere and focus on premium ingredients attract a high-end clientele, enabling Sous Chefs here to earn competitive salaries complemented by bonus opportunities.
3. Husk Nashville
Husk highlights Southern ingredients prepared with innovative flair. With a strong reputation and steady patronage, it offers Sous Chefs a valuable platform to develop leadership skills while earning solid wages in a respected kitchen.
4. Etch Restaurant
With a menu featuring globally inspired small plates and contemporary cuisine, Etch demands creativity and precision from its culinary team. Sous Chefs benefit from an environment that values expertise and awards it with competitive pay.
5. Rolf & Daughters
Known for its rustic yet refined approach to cooking, Rolf & Daughters blends locally sourced ingredients with European techniques. The restaurant maintains a steady flow of enthusiastic diners, giving Sous Chefs consistent opportunities for robust earnings.
6. Henrietta Red
Celebrated for its oyster bar and refined American fare, Henrietta Red offers an intimate setting with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sous Chefs here enjoy competitive compensation paired with a vibrant, supportive kitchen culture.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Sous Chef Earnings in Nashville
The style and type of restaurant where a Sous Chef works heavily influence their earning potential. Upscale, fine-dining establishments often offer higher base wages and bonuses due to more complex menu demands and greater expectations for kitchen leadership.
Casual or family-style restaurants may offer lower starting pay but provide volume-based bonuses or profit sharing in some cases. Earning potential can also depend on certifications like ServSafe or culinary degrees, which some employers prize.
- Fine Dining - typically the highest base pay, supplemented with bonuses
- Casual Dining - steadier hours and income, sometimes with smaller bonuses
- Specialty Cuisine - opportunities vary depending on the popularity and exclusivity of the cuisine
- Location - restaurants in downtown or tourist-heavy areas generally pay more
- Certifications and Experience - can significantly boost starting salary and promotional opportunities
How To Find a High Paying Sous Chef Job in Nashville
Research and Target Top Restaurants
Identify highly-rated, upscale restaurants like those listed above known for good compensation packages. Focus your applications here to maximize earning potential.
Strengthen Your Culinary Resume
Highlight leadership experience, certifications, and any specialties you offer. Emphasize ability to manage kitchen teams and operate efficiently under pressure.
Network Within the Nashville Culinary Community
Attend local food events, Chef meetups, and keep in touch with culinary recruiters. Networking can open doors to hidden job opportunities not always publicly advertised.
Prepare for Interviews Thoroughly
Study the restaurant’s menu, ethos, and style. Show you understand their culinary vision and can contribute effectively as a Sous Chef.
Maintain Flexibility
Be willing to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays, which are often when restaurants need their best kitchen staff and offer extra compensation.
What’s the Outlook for Sous Chef Jobs in Nashville in 2025 and Beyond?
The Sous Chef role in Nashville is expected to experience continued growth over the coming years. With Nashville’s status as a thriving culinary destination, new restaurants and hospitality venues continually open, driving demand for skilled kitchen leaders.
According to workforce data trends, Nashville’s restaurant industry anticipates a steady increase in kitchen management roles, ensuring a healthy market for Sous Chefs looking for employment or advancement.
Other factors influencing the outlook include:
- Tourism growth supporting more upscale dining
- Investment in farm-to-table and specialty concepts increasing demand for creative culinary talent
- Focus on quality dining experiences requiring experienced leadership in kitchens
Is a Sous Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Nashville?
With an hourly rate averaging $22, a full-time Sous Chef in Nashville can expect to earn roughly $45,760 annually before bonuses and overtime. When combined with potential tips or profit sharing, total compensation can be even higher.
Nashville’s cost of living is moderate compared to other metro areas. Here’s an overview of typical monthly expenses in 2025:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,600
- Utilities: $150
- Transportation (public transit/gas): $120–$200
- Groceries: $350–$500
Based on these figures, a Sous Chef working in a high-paying restaurant can comfortably afford housing and daily living expenses in Nashville. The key to living well lies in choosing the right restaurant with excellent pay and steady hours.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Nashville Sous Chef Jobs
We selected these restaurants after extensive evaluation of available data, including job listings on hospitality platforms and direct feedback from current kitchen staff members.
The main selection criteria were:
- Competitive Salaries: Verified through job postings and industry benchmarks
- Benefits and Bonuses: Inclusion of restaurants offering health benefits and performance incentives
- Reputation and Reviews: Highly regarded establishments known for great work culture and culinary excellence
- Location: Restaurants situated in busy areas with strong patronage supporting better pay potential
This approach ensures job seekers have access to opportunities that balance good compensation with a positive working environment.
