Sous Chef: Inside Jobs

A Sous Chef is second in command in a professional kitchen. As a Sous Chef, you assist the Executive Chef with everything that needs to be done, from planning the menu, to cooking the food, to managing other staff in the restaurant.

Sous Chefs are most well known for slicing raw ingredients and performing other precise preparation tasks. This work begins before the dinner crowd shows up, since there are elements of the meals that can be made beforehand. Once the dinner rush starts, the adrenaline kicks in: you’re on your feet all night as you handle complex orders, check on several dishes that are cooking simultaneously, and arrange food quickly and artfully on plates.

But that is only one part of your job. You also work closely with all of the staff, including Servers, Hosts, and other Cooks, dealing with matters such as scheduling and work flows. When it’s not dinner time, you take inventory of ingredients and supplies, ensure the kitchen is up to safety standards, and help make menu decisions.

Working in a kitchen is not for everyone, but for those who like it its awesome—its fast-paced, exciting, and pushes you to perform. And if you perform well, you’ll learn how to consistently churn out quality dishes, knowledge that will serve you well as you move up the kitchen food chain.

In fact, you’ll even get some practice running the show: When the Executive Chef is not around, you fill in and head up the kitchen. That’s why many people consider this a great position for those who want to eventually run their own restaurant.

Trustworthy: You are known for your personal integrity and honesty.

Team Player: You're able to listen, communicate, and work with tons of different people.

Calm Under Pressure: You keep your cool when dealing with highly stressful situations.

How much does a Sous Chef make?

Nationally: $23,000 – $71,000

Main education level: Certificate

source: US Dept of Labor

Become an Executive Chef

Executive Chef schools closest to Los Angeles, CA 90051 change location

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Pasadena, CA — 9 miles — Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Art is an institution of higher learning for students who share a passion for the culinary and hospitality arts. We are dedicated to providing quality career education that integrates the classic culinary curriculum of Le Cordon Bleu with modern American technology...

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

Online — As a student of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division, you will benefit from the same quality education and rich academic heritage established by the Art Institute of Pittsburgh almost 100 years ago. Unlike a degree from a ground school, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division...

The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA — 12 miles — The Art Institute of California — Los Angeles prepares students for entry-level positions in creative, challenging careers. Their students are creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for a challenging career and a lifetime of personal...

The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a branch of The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles

Santa Ana, CA — 31 miles — Congratulations for considering an education in the creative arts with The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a branch of The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles. More than ever, it's an exciting time to be a designer, animator, chef, or media artist; and many will tell you that it's a...

The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire, a branch of The Art Institute of California—San Diego

San Bernardino, CA — 56 miles — The primary mission, focus, and ultimate goal of The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire, a branch of The Art Institute of California—San Diego, is to assist students toward the successful achievement of a satisfying career in their chosen field. To this end, they have brought together a dedicated...

The Art Institute of California—San Diego

San Diego, CA — 108 miles — With industry mentors, like-minded peers and a unique artistic spirit, The Art Institute of California — San Diego offers a nurturing environment where creative students can thrive. Located in the heart of San Diego's Mission Valley, The Art Institute of California - San Diego is ideally situated...

See all schools offering Executive Chef training programs

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Personality Traits

Salary and Education