Restaurants Where Sushi Chefs Make the Most Money at in Cleveland, OH: Key Takeaways
- The average wage for Sushi Chefs in Cleveland, OH is approximately $20 per hour.
- Sushi Chefs typically do not earn tips directly, as they are back-of-house staff, but some restaurants may include tip sharing policies.
- Sora and Goma offer some of the highest pay rates for Sushi Chefs, ranging up to $22 per hour.
The hourly pay rates for Sushi Chefs in Cleveland vary depending on the restaurant, experience, and other factors.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of top-paying sushi restaurants in Cleveland, explaining salary estimates and job prospects.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Sushi Chefs in Cleveland, OH
Cleveland features diverse sushi venues, from upscale dining spots to popular neighborhood joints that offer Sushi Chefs attractive wage opportunities.
Here are some well-known sushi restaurants in Cleveland where Sushi Chefs tend to earn higher wages:
Sora
Sora is an upscale sushi bar known for its fresh, authentic Japanese dishes and creative rolls crafted by skilled chefs.
Sushi Chefs here earn an average of $22 per hour, making it one of the better paying locations in the city.
Sushi 86
Popular among locals, Sushi 86 offers playful menus as well as traditional sushi dishes in a lively atmosphere.
The estimated pay for Sushi Chefs is around $19.45 per hour.
TownHall
TownHall combines health-conscious dining with a focus on fresh and organic ingredients, earning it a loyal following.
Sushi Chefs here typically earn about $17.50 per hour.
Goma
Goma provides an elegant sushi dining experience with attention to detail in both flavor and presentation.
The hourly pay for Sushi Chefs here is estimated at $20 per hour.
Ginko Restaurant
Ginko Restaurant offers a refined sushi experience with a modern flair, combining traditional methods with creative twists.
Sushi Chefs earn approximately $20 per hour on average.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Sushi Chef Earnings in Cleveland, OH
Sushi Chef earnings in Cleveland largely depend on the type of restaurant, its location, and the chef’s level of expertise.
Upscale and specialty sushi restaurants tend to pay higher hourly wages and may offer better benefits compared to casual dining settings.
In general:
- Upscale restaurants often pay between $20 and $25 per hour, with more chances of additional bonuses and incentive pay.
- Casual or fast-casual venues usually have wages in the $15 to $20 range, with limited or no tips for sushi chefs.
- Certifications and experience can increase earning potential as it demonstrates skill and safety knowledge.
Proper certifications such as chef certification can greatly increase a sushi chef's credibility and earning potential in competitive markets.
How To Find a High Paying Sushi Chef Job in Cleveland, OH
Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight relevant skills, certifications, and previous sushi preparation experience to make your application stand out.
Check out our guide on how to write a cover letter for hospitality jobs to improve your application.
Gain Certifications and Advanced Skills
Obtain certifications such as ServSafe and attend sushi-making courses to improve your qualifications and appeal to higher-paying employers.
Learning advanced culinary techniques can be essential for moving up, as described in our spotlight on sous chefs career journey, which shares insights valuable to aspiring sushi chefs.
Network Within the Local Restaurant Scene
Connecting with chefs and managers at sushi restaurants can open doors to job opportunities not advertised online.
Networking strategies for employers and job-seekers alike can be found in our spotlight on how to find the best staff for your restaurant.
Apply to Top-Rated and Specialty Sushi Restaurants
Focus on places known for quality and reputation, such as Sora and Goma, where wages tend to be higher.
What’s the Outlook for Sushi Chef Jobs in Cleveland, OH in 2025 and Beyond?
The sushi market in Cleveland is gradually expanding as local demand for quality Japanese cuisine increases.
Employment growth for skilled Sushi Chefs is expected to remain stable, with potential for moderate increases as new eateries open.
Factors influencing future demand include:
- Growing culinary diversity and consumer interest in sushi and Asian fusion.
- Increasing popularity of upscale dining venues offering sushi specialties.
- Ongoing need for certified, experienced Sushi Chefs in this competitive market.
Employers may find the restaurant staff hiring spotlight useful when planning recruitment for these skilled roles.
Is a Sushi Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Cleveland, OH?
Typical hourly wages for Sushi Chefs in Cleveland averaging around $20 translate to approximately $41,600 annually before taxes for full-time work.
Cleveland has a relatively low cost of living compared to many U.S. cities:
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $950 per month
- Utilities and internet: $150 per month
- Groceries and dining: $300-$400 per month
With prudent budgeting, a Sushi Chef's salary in Cleveland can support a comfortable lifestyle, especially combined with any additional benefits or bonuses.
Understanding compensation details can be aided by checking out the sushi chef salary overview page for detailed information.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Cleveland, OH Sushi Chef Jobs
We curated this list focusing on restaurants offering competitive hourly pay and a good working environment for Sushi Chefs in Cleveland.
- Reputation: Established and well-reviewed sushi restaurants known for quality.
- Wage estimates: Verified data and industry averages to identify higher-paying venues.
- Growth potential: Employers likely to offer opportunities for advancement and skills development.
Our goal is to help Sushi Chefs find roles that offer financial stability along with professional fulfillment.