What Is a Sous Chef?

Last updated on Sep 18, 2023
Jason Kurtz

Sous chefs report directly to the executive chef, managing the entire operation in their absence and overseeing a wide range of tasks including supervising the kitchen staff and coordinating the timing of each course. This type of chef plays a pivotal role in upholding the standards and quality of a restaurant's food. They are an essential part of the kitchen hierarchy, especially in large-scale commercial kitchens.

What Does a Sous Chef Do?

Sous chef wearing cooking uniform garnishing gourmet dish

In most kitchens, the sous chef is second in command. We've created a list of a sous chef's typical responsibilities below, but it's important to note that they can change depending on the type of restaurant you work for and the preferences of the head chef.

  • Assisting the head chef: The sous chef collaborates with the head chef for menu planning, recipe development, and creating daily specials. They work closely to ensure that the culinary vision is executed flawlessly.
  • Supervising the kitchen staff: In most cases, the sous chef oversees the kitchen staff, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers. They delegate tasks, provide guidance, and ensure efficiency.
  • Food preparation: Sous chefs are skilled in all areas of food preparation and are often responsible for preparing complex dishes or ingredients. They have expert knowledge of cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and plating presentations.
  • Quality control: Sous chefs play a vital role in quality control, ensuring that all dishes leaving the kitchen are prepared to perfection and meet customer expectations.
  • Kitchen organization: Efficiency is key in a busy kitchen. Sous chefs are responsible for organizing the kitchen, ensuring that all ingredients, tools, and equipment are readily available.
  • Training and development: Sous chefs often play a role in training new kitchen staff members and mentoring aspiring chefs. They provide guidance, share their expertise, and help cultivate the skills of those working under their supervision.

What Does Sous Chef Mean?

In French, sous means "under" or "subordinate." Therefore, sous chef means under chef, or someone who works directly under the head or executive chef.

Sous Chef Salary

The average salary of a sous chef in the United States is just over $50,000 per year, with most sous chefs making somewhere between $40,000 and $70,000.

A sous chef's education, experience, and certifications, as well as the type of restaurant they work for, can impact how much they make. Sous chefs who have completed formal culinary training or have obtained certifications from reputable culinary institutions may command higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and skills. Upscale establishments and fine dining restaurants often offer higher salaries than casual dining establishments because they demand a higher level of culinary expertise from their staff.

How to Become a Sous Chef

Professional team of cooks working together in a modern kitchen

If you have a passion for culinary arts and aspire to become a sous chef, there are multiple different paths you can take to achieve your goal. We've outlined some of the most common paths below:

  • Attend culinary school: One of the most common paths to becoming a sous chef is attending culinary school. Culinary programs provide aspiring chefs with a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, nutrition, and kitchen management. These programs typically offer hands-on training, allowing students to develop their culinary skills under the guidance of experienced chefs. Though you'll still have to gain additional experience, graduating from a reputable culinary school can give you a competitive edge when applying for sous chef positions.
  • Enter an apprenticeship program: Apprenticeships allow aspiring chefs to learn the craft of cooking by working alongside experienced professionals. This on-the-job training provides valuable practical experience in a real kitchen environment. Many culinary schools offer apprenticeship programs, and some restaurants and hotels have their own apprenticeship programs as well.
  • Build work experience: While formal education is important, gaining practical work experience is equally crucial in the culinary industry. Starting at the bottom as a line cook or kitchen assistant and working your way up the ladder is a common path to becoming a sous chef. This experience allows you to learn the ins and outs of the kitchen, develop your culinary skills, and understand the dynamics of a professional culinary team.

Sous Chef Requirements

Learning cooking skills from a master chef

A successful sous chef exhibits several qualities that make them a good fit for the role. We've listed some of the most important qualities below.

  • Culinary expertise: As a sous chef, you'll oversee the kitchen and assist the head chef in preparing meals. Therefore, you must have a solid understanding of culinary terms and a thorough foundation of various cooking techniques.
  • Leadership qualities: Sous chefs supervise and train kitchen staff, which requires strong leadership skills. You should be able to effectively communicate and delegate tasks to ensure smooth operations in the kitchen.
  • Organizational skills and attention to detail: The kitchen can be a fast-paced and demanding environment, especially during peak hours. As a sous chef, you'll need to stay organized and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. This includes coordinating food preparation, monitoring inventory levels, and ensuring that all dishes are prepared and served on time.
  • Reliability: Punctuality and the ability to handle pressure are essential qualities for this position. Being dependable and showing up consistently will not only earn you the trust of your colleagues but also contribute to the overall success of the kitchen.

Sous Chef Education

An associate's or bachelor's degree in culinary arts can strengthen your resume and increase your chances of getting a job as a sous chef. These programs typically cover culinary techniques, kitchen management principles, and menu planning strategies. To further bolster your resume, consider pursuing relevant certifications. Certifications such as the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) or Certified Executive Chef (CEC) offered by the American Culinary Federation can validate your skills and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

When it comes to becoming a sous chef, formal education is not always a requirement. Many sous chefs start their culinary careers as line cooks, working their way up through the ranks and gaining valuable experience along the way. This practical knowledge allows them to understand the ins and outs of a kitchen, from managing staff to executing complex recipes under pressure.

Sous chefs are essential for any professional kitchen to run effectively. They work hand in hand with the head chef and oversee a wide range of kitchen activities. There are several different ways to achieve the position, and by using the information above you can make informed decisions about your career path.

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