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Sous Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef Salary: $52k Bonus: Yes Relo: No Upscale restaurant in the Shenandoah Valley is looking to add a Sous Chef to their team! Requirements: Upscale / high volume restaurant experience Scratch ...

Sous Chef

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Sous chefs may assist in calculating the cost of ingredients for menu items and determining appropriate menu pricing to ensure profitability while remaining competitive in the market. * Inventory ...

Seasonal New American restaurant Locavore in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia is seeking a strong Sous Chef. This position will work side by side with chef-owner to create an awesome ...

Sous-chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef Join our dynamic culinary team as a Sous Chef, where your passion for food and leadership skills will help elevate our restaurant's dining experience. We are seeking a dedicated and ...

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Sous Chef

Edinburg, VA · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will assist the Executive Chef in overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and presentation. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in ...

Sous Chef

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Sous Chef

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Sous Chef

Gainesville, VA

$49K - $66K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Sous Chef

Gainesville, VA

$49K - $66K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Sous Chef

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Sous Chef

Gainesville, VA

$49K - $66K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

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Sous Chef

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Our Sous Chefs partner with the Executive Chef to provide direction and training to team members by coaching, counseling, and providing feedback on job performance. The Sous Chefs are responsible for ...

Sous Chef

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in all phases of meal preparation. Prepares salad bar offerings, desserts, and bakery items and is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of ...

Sous Chef

Vienna, VA

$66K - $70K/yr

Sous Chef ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Sous Chef serves as the second-in-command in the kitchen, supporting the Chef in both culinary execution and operational management. This role involves ...

Sous Chef

Gainesville, VA

$49K - $66K/yr

The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in all phases of meal preparation. Prepares salad bar offerings, desserts, and bakery items and is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of ...

Sous Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Birdwood Mansion is seeking a talented and dedicated Sous Chef to join our culinary team. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to contribute to a prestigious ...

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Sous Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$30.2K

$58.5K

$76.8K

How much do sous chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for sous chef in Virginia is $58,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $66,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Sous Chefs face when managing kitchen operations during busy service periods?

Sous Chefs often encounter challenges such as maintaining clear communication among kitchen staff, ensuring all dishes meet quality standards, and adapting quickly to unexpected changes like last-minute menu adjustments or equipment malfunctions. During peak hours, balancing speed with precision is crucial, as is supporting the Executive Chef and stepping in wherever needed. Effective delegation, problem-solving under pressure, and fostering teamwork are key skills that help Sous Chefs navigate these demanding situations successfully.

What exactly does a sous chef do?

A sous chef is the second-in-command in a kitchen, responsible for assisting the head chef with food preparation, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring quality standards. They often oversee daily operations, coordinate cooking activities, and may step in to lead during the head chef's absence.

What Is a Sous Chef?

A sous chef is the second-in-command in a restaurant kitchen. Sous means under in French, and it relates to the sous chef being in charge of the kitchen when the chef is not there or occupied. It’s a coveted position. Sous chefs manage the kitchen and train new staff. This position also allows for culinary creativity. Sous chefs manage food presentations, relay recipes and instructions from the head chef, and maintain an optimal level of efficiency of the staff. They apply their skills to the food, training new chefs on how to perfect a dish or recipe, and creating delicious meals for their customers.

What is the highest salary for a sous chef?

The highest salary for a sous chef can exceed $70,000 annually, especially in high-end restaurants or luxury hotels. Factors such as experience, location, and the size of the establishment influence earning potential, with some senior sous chefs earning over $80,000 or more per year.

What qualifies you to be a sous chef?

A sous chef typically qualifies through several years of culinary experience, often starting as a line cook and progressing to higher roles. Formal culinary education or certifications such as a culinary degree or food safety certification can also be beneficial. Strong leadership skills, knowledge of kitchen operations, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sous Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sous Chef, you need strong culinary skills, a solid understanding of kitchen operations, and typically a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Leadership, time management, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing kitchen staff and ensuring smooth service. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain high food quality, operational efficiency, and a cohesive team in a high-pressure kitchen environment.

Is it worth becoming a sous chef?

Becoming a sous chef offers opportunities for career advancement, skill development, and higher earning potential within professional kitchens. It requires strong culinary skills, leadership abilities, and experience working in fast-paced environments. The role can lead to executive chef positions and increased responsibilities over time.

What are sous chefs?

Sous chefs are second-in-command in a kitchen, working directly under the head chef or executive chef. They help oversee kitchen operations, manage other kitchen staff, and ensure that food is prepared to quality standards. Sous chefs are often responsible for supervising food preparation, managing inventory, and assisting with menu planning. Their role is critical to maintaining efficiency and consistency in a professional kitchen.

What is the difference between Sous Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectSous ChefLine Cook
Credentials Culinary training, certifications often preferred Culinary skills, on-the-job training
Work Environment Supervisory role in kitchen, responsible for kitchen operations Preparing specific dishes on the kitchen line
Employer Usage Commonly employed in restaurants, hotels, and catering Found in similar settings, working under chefs

The main difference between a Sous Chef and a Line Cook is that the Sous Chef has supervisory responsibilities and oversees kitchen operations, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes on the kitchen line. The Sous Chef often has more experience and may hold certifications, whereas the Line Cook specializes in executing specific tasks. Both roles are essential in a professional kitchen, but the Sous Chef plays a leadership role in ensuring smooth kitchen functioning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sous Chef jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Sous Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Sous Chef jobs in Virginia? For Sous Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sous Chef jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Sous Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sous Chef jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Sous Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Sous Chef jobs in VA? For Sous Chef jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Sous Chef job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,492 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Title: Sous Chef
Salary: $52k
Bonus: Yes
Relo: No
Upscale restaurant in the Shenandoah Valley is looking to add a Sous Chef to their team!
Requirements:
Upscale / high volume restaurant experience
Scratch kitchen experience
Willing to take and give direction, strong leadership skills
Responsibilities:
Open / Close restaurant
Teach / Train team members
Able to run expo, ordering, inventory and scheduling

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About Chef Agency

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THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

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