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Sous Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.65 - $23.05/hr

Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods * Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored ...

Sous Chef

Rochester, NY

$19.65 - $23.05/hr

Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods * Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored ...

Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.65 - $23.05/hr

Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods * Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored ...

Line Cook

Victor, NY · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Line cook duties will consist of assisting the sous chefs with their daily tasks. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

Line Cook

Victor, NY · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Line cook duties will consist of assisting the sous chefs with their daily tasks. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

Line Cook

Victor, NY · On-site

$21/hr

Line cook duties will consist of assisting the sous chefs with their daily tasks. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

Line Cook

Victor, NY · On-site

$21/hr

Line cook duties will consist of assisting the sous chefs with their daily tasks. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

Showing results 21-40

Sous Chef information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$30.1K

$58.2K

$76.5K

How much do sous chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for sous chef in Rochester, NY is $58,212.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $66,600.00 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.

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 career advancement, skill development, and higher earning potential, especially in busy or upscale establishments. However, it often involves long hours, high stress, and physically demanding work.

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.

How much money do sous chefs make a year?

Sous chefs typically earn between $35,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. In high-end restaurants or major cities, salaries can exceed this range, and additional benefits may be included.

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 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 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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Sous Chef jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Sous Chef jobs in Rochester, NY? For Sous Chef jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sous Chef jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Sous Chef jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Sous Chef jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Sous Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Sous Chef job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,212 per year, or $28 per hour.

$19.65 - $23.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

288th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods
  • Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored at proper temperatures and times
  • Performs a variety of assigned cooking duties which may include short orders such as hamburgers, chicken, eggs, and other grill items, as well as cold foods such as items for delicatessen/salad bar and compound salads
  • Assists in maintaining sanitation and health and safety standards, including the proper labeling, rotation, and storage of food items
  • Prepares menu items according to product specifications and recipes provided by culinary leadership
  • Cleans and/or sanitizes cooking utensils, grills, ovens, hoods, and other kitchen equipment
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Knowledge of culinary environments, techniques, and standards
  • Knowledge of allergens, food sensitivities, and dietetic restrictions
  • Skill in time management, organization, and multi-tasking
  • Ability to follow New York State, Monroe County, and university health codes as they relate to health, sanitation, and safety
  • Ability to deliver exceptional customer service

Minimum Education & Experience
  • Degree/Certification in Culinary Arts
  • 3 years of related experience
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview
Operations, Administrative, Service, or Technical Support Level 4 - Advanced or lead role with deep subject matter expertise and/or functions as a formal or informal team lead. Leads challenging and non-routine tasks, assignments, and projects, often coordinating across teams and developing new methods or techniques. Mentors less experienced staff and reviews or delegates work.
Why Work for RIT Dining
RIT Dining serves thousands of students, faculty, and staff each day, creating meaningful moments across campus. As a university-owned operation, we're committed to delivering personalized culinary experiences while providing valuable growth opportunities for both full-time employees and student workers. You'll work alongside a diverse team, including students from many backgrounds-to create a welcoming, inclusive environment. Your contributions enhance the student experience as customers and support employees in building the teamwork, confidence, and real-world skills that drive long-term success.
  • Work-Life Balance You Can Count On
    Predictable schedules with added flexibility during academic breaks.
  • Strong Benefits That Support You
    Comprehensive health coverage, employer-paid disability, and wellness resources.
  • Grow With Us
    Tuition assistance for you and your family, plus career development in a collaborative, innovative environment.
  • Invest in Your Future
    Competitive retirement plan with up to 8% employer match.
  • Time to Recharge
    Generous PTO, 12 paid holidays, and a culture that values your well-being.
  • Meaningful Perks
    Weekly meal benefits and access to campus amenities.
  • A Community That Welcomes You
    Inclusive, supportive teams where your contributions make a real impact.

Current Anticipated Hours/Work Location:
  • Location: Campus Concessions
  • Work Schedule: Schedule varies based on event needs.
    • Work schedule may need to fluctuate based on University-wide events, and academic breaks.

FLSA Category
Non-Exempt
Work Location
On Campus
Compensation
$19.65-$23.05
Application Materials
When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Additional Details
In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.
If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to careers@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

What Rochester Institute Of Technology employees say

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About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

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