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Sous Chef Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef Reports to: Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef Job Summary: Serve as "third-in-command" of the kitchen: assist the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in supervising food production ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Chicago, IL Salary: $65k-73k Benefits: M/D/V, PTO, Bonus Chef driven restaurant looking for a sous chef to join their team as part of the closing shift. Qualifications: -3+ years of kitchen ...

Juniper Modern American

Sous Chef

Highwood, IL · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef Highwood, IL | Full-Time Join the Team at Juniper Juniper is a new Modern American restaurant with a dedicated sushi program in the heart of Highwood, led by Executive Chef Todd Stein ...

Arrow Technologies

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef responsibilities include: * Helping in the preparation and design of all food and drinks menus * Producing high quality plates both design and taste wise * Ensuring that the kitchen ...

Arrow Technologies, Inc

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef responsibilities include: * Helping in the preparation and design of all food and drinks menus * Producing high quality plates both design and taste wise * Ensuring that the kitchen ...

Apolonia

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Apolonia Restaurant, Chef Stephen Gillanders' (of S.K.Y.) second concept in the South Loop and one of Chicago's most anticipated restaurant openings of 2021, is looking for a Sous Chef to join its ...

Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

SOUS CHEF We are recruiting a Sous Chef to join our team! Serious inquiries only, please. Sous Chef Position Requirements: Full Essential Responsibilities: * Be available to fill in as needed to ...

Beatnik

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

The Sous Chef will play a crucial role in assisting the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation. The ideal ...

Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

SOUS CHEF We are recruiting a Sous Chef to join our team! Serious inquiries only, please. Sous Chef Position Requirements: Full Essential Responsibilities: * Be available to fill in as needed to ...

Wildfire

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Wildfire Oakbrook is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Wildfire

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Wildfire Glenview is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL

$55K - $75K/yr

Wildfire Glenview is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training ...

Wildfire

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Wildfire Glenview is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Wildfire

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Wildfire Oakbrook is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Crescent Hotels & Resorts LLC

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL

$50K - $68K/yr

As Sous Chef you will be assisting the culinary team in overseeing the day-to-day operations in the Culinary Department. We're Seeking Creative and innovative culinary skill while meeting property ...

Private Listing

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Position Overview The Sous Chef will play a key role in the day-to-day management of kitchen operations. This position requires a strong leader who can support the Executive Chef, maintain ...

Hatty's Club | The Market by Hatty's

Sous Chef

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef Reports to: Executive Chef Summary of Position: A Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations, maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation, and ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Oakbrook, IL

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Qualifications: * 2+ years of Sous Chef or kitchen leadership experience * Experience in high-volume restaurants, country clubs, banquet operations, or corporate restaurant groups * Background with ...

Osaka Nikkei - Chicago

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Experience: 2 to 3 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef in high-volume, high-end restaurants, with proven team leadership skills. * Expertise: Deep knowledge of fish and seafood ...

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All JobsSous Chef JobsSous Chef Jobs in Elgin, IL

Sous Chef information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$30.1K

$58.3K

$76.6K

How much do sous chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for sous chef in Elgin, IL is $58,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $66,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sous chef?

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 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.

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 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.

How much does a sous chef get paid an hour?

A sous chef typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Salaries can vary based on the size of the restaurant and the complexity of the menu, with some earning higher wages in upscale or high-volume venues.

Is a sous chef a good career?

A sous chef is a key leadership role in a kitchen, responsible for assisting the head chef with food preparation, staff management, and quality control. It offers opportunities for skill development, advancement to executive chef, and typically requires culinary training and experience. Career growth depends on experience, reputation, and the ability to handle high-pressure environments.
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Sous Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sous Chef job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,321 per year, or $28 per hour.

Sous Chef

UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO

Chicago, IL • On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Sous Chef

Reports to: Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef

Job Summary: Serve as “third-in-command” of the kitchen: assist the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in supervising food production for all food outlets, banquet events and other functions at the club. Supervise food production personnel, assist with food production tasks as needed and assure that quality and cost standards are consistently attained. Sous Chef will also have the responsibility of supervising the Stewarding Staff with assistance from the Chef’s Office.

Essential Functions:
  • Directly supervises kitchen staff responsible for the daily preparation of soups, sauces and “specials” to ensure that methods of cooking, garnishing and portion sizes are as prescribed by standardized recipes
  • Assists the Executive Chef / Executive Sous Chef with preparing the kitchen for monthly inventories with having all areas organized for counting.
  • Assumes complete charge of the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef/Executive Sous Chef
  • Assists Executive Chef/Executive Sous Chef with supervision and training of employees, sanitation and safety, menu planning and related production activities
  • Consistently maintains standards of quality, cost, eye appeal and flavor of foods
  • Ensures and assists with proper staffing for maximum productivity and high standards of quality; controls food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability
  • Makes recommendations for maintenance, repair and upkeep of the kitchen and its equipment
  • Personally works in any station as assigned by the Executive Chef/Executive Sous Chef
  • Helps plan energy conservation procedures in the kitchen
  • Assists in the development of training and the provision of professional development opportunities for all kitchen staff.
  • Assists in maintaining security of kitchen including equipment. food and supply inventories
  • Assists in food procurement, delivery, storage and issuing of food items
  • Expedites food orders during peak service hours
  • Supervises, trains and evaluates kitchen personnel
  • Coordinates buffet presentations
  • Checks mise en place before service time and inspects presentation of food items to insure that quality standards are met
  • Reports all member/guest complaints to the Chef’s Office and assists in resolving complaints
  • Submits ideas for future goals, operational improvements, and personnel management to Executive Chef
  • Supervises and trains all stewarding staff and reporting any issues that need repair or correction
  • Follows up on cleanliness of the kitchens and details that must be addressed by staff
  • Reports inventory needs for CGS and does a twice a year inventory to anticipate needs.

    • Education: Culinary School Graduate, Apprentice Program Graduate or any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or any other combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities.

    Experience: 5 to 7 years experience in fine dining restaurant or hotel.

    Additional Skills: Supervisory experience, good organization, and communication skills are required.

    Licenses and Certificates: City of Chicago Food Sanitation Certificate, Allergen Awareness Certificate.

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