Sous Chef
$65K/yr
About Position: The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in ... in an entry level role. Our focus is to create a collaborative culture for our restaurant ...
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Sous Chef
$65K/yr
About Position: The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in ... in an entry level role. Our focus is to create a collaborative culture for our restaurant ...
Sous Chef (3755)
Madison, WI · On-site
$50K - $68K/yr
The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in kitchens. The Sous Chef ... in an entry level role. Our focus is to create a collaborative culture for our restaurant ...
Sous Chef (3755)
Madison, WI · On-site
$50K - $68K/yr
The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in kitchens. The Sous Chef ... in an entry level role. Our focus is to create a collaborative culture for our restaurant ...
Entry Level Sous Chef information
See Madison, WI salary details
$30.7K - $35K
2% of jobs
$35K - $39.3K
4% of jobs
$39.3K - $43.6K
7% of jobs
$43.6K - $48K
7% of jobs
$50.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$48K - $52.3K
8% of jobs
$52.3K - $56.6K
11% of jobs
The median wage is $59.8K / yr.
$56.6K - $60.9K
13% of jobs
$60.9K - $65.2K
17% of jobs
$66.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$65.2K - $69.5K
15% of jobs
$69.5K - $73.8K
9% of jobs
$73.8K - $78.1K
6% of jobs
$30.7K
$59.4K
$78.1K
How much do entry level sous chef jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level sous chef in Madison, WI is $59,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an entry level sous chef?
An entry level sous chef is an assistant to the head chef in a kitchen, typically responsible for helping manage kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring quality standards are met. While they may have less experience than senior sous chefs, entry level sous chefs often handle day-to-day kitchen operations, assist with inventory, and help train junior staff. This role is a key stepping stone for chefs aspiring to advance to higher leadership positions in the culinary field.
What are some common challenges faced by entry level sous chefs when transitioning into a management role?
Entry level sous chefs often encounter challenges such as balancing hands-on cooking duties with new leadership responsibilities, managing time effectively during busy shifts, and communicating clearly with both kitchen staff and front-of-house teams. Learning to delegate tasks, handle inventory, and maintain quality standards under pressure are also typical hurdles. However, these challenges provide valuable learning experiences that help build confidence and prepare for more advanced culinary leadership roles.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level sous chef, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Entry Level Sous Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant restaurant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and the ability to work calmly under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high food quality, and a safe, collaborative work environment.
What is the difference between Entry Level Sous Chef vs Line Cook?
| Aspect | Entry Level Sous Chef | Line Cook |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma, culinary certification preferred | High school diploma, culinary training often preferred |
| Work Environment | Kitchen, restaurant, culinary team | Kitchen, restaurant, station-specific |
| Responsibilities | Assist head chef, oversee kitchen operations, supervise staff | Prepare dishes, follow recipes, maintain station |
| Experience Level | Entry-level, some culinary experience | Entry-level, often beginner cooks |
While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, an Entry Level Sous Chef typically has more responsibilities, including supervising staff and assisting with kitchen management, whereas a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station. The Entry Level Sous Chef often requires some culinary experience and certification, making it a step above a basic Line Cook position.
Can you be an entry level sous chef with no experience?
Entry level sous chefs typically need some culinary training or kitchen experience, but many employers are willing to hire candidates with limited or no professional experience if they demonstrate strong cooking skills, a good work ethic, and the ability to learn quickly. Gaining experience through culinary school, internships, or entry-level kitchen roles can improve chances of securing an entry level sous chef position.
Where to start if I want to be an entry level sous chef?
To become an entry-level sous chef, gaining experience in a professional kitchen through entry-level culinary positions such as line cook or prep cook is essential. Developing skills in food preparation, kitchen safety, and time management, along with obtaining a culinary degree or certification, can improve your prospects. Building a strong work ethic and understanding kitchen operations are key steps toward advancing to a sous chef role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sous Chef jobs in Madison, WI?
The most popular types of Sous Chef jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Entry Level Sous Chef jobs?
Cities near Madison, WI with the most Entry Level Sous Chef job openings:
$65K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Posted 21 days ago
Job description
About Position:
The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in kitchens. The Sous Chef’s responsibilities involve a large degree of supervising other kitchen staff, as well as keeping an eye out for problems that arise in the kitchen and seizing control of a situation at a moment's notice.
Our Promise & Culture:
Food Fight Restaurant Group is an ambitious collection of professionals who are constantly focused on the growth and improvement of our teams. We are a passionate and dedicated group of hospitality leaders looking to work with like-minded professionals who want to grow both their restaurants and their careers, and we mean it. 100% of our executive leadership team started their Food Fight careers in an entry level role. Our focus is to create a collaborative culture for our restaurant leadership and minimize the most common stressors the restaurant industry is known for by:
- Extending freedom and autonomy to our restaurant leaderships teams
- Allowing flexible scheduling that both fits the needs of our managers and fulfills the needs of our restaurants
- Offering continued education opportunities and tuition reimbursement to our managers
- Providing opportunities for advancement and career growth
- Directly supporting the administrative functions of our restaurants
Job Requirements:
- Minimum of high school diploma. Candidates with culinary degrees will be given preference
- 2+ years of experience as a sous chef is preferred
- Ability to effectively manage, direct, and lead a large team
- Strong communication abilities, with employees, vendors, and customers
- Problem solving capabilities and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes high pressure environment
- Collaborative attitude with an emphasis on excellent customer service
- Time management strengths with the ability to multi-task
- Solid understanding of cooking methods, ingredients, kitchen equipment, and related processes
Benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Insurance with Employer Contribution
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Paid Time Off
- Wellness Benefits
- And Much More
Apply Today:
If our culture and team sound like something you’d like to be a part of, apply today.