If you’re curious about culinary careers, you might wonder: what is a sous chef? Simply put, a sous chef runs the day-to-day operations of a kitchen, turning the executive chef’s vision into reality. While executive chefs set the direction, the sous chef leads the team that makes it all happen.
A sous chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen. If the executive chef is the CEO, the sous chef is like the vice president — the right hand who ensures everything runs smoothly. They take a hands-on role in managing the team, coordinating daily operations, and keeping the kitchen on track.
Sous chefs oversee all aspects of the kitchen, from inventory to cooking techniques, often specializing in a particular cuisine or style. Beyond culinary skills, a great sous chef is a strong leader. They guide the staff, communicate expectations clearly, and handle mistakes with both skill and understanding. Flexibility, organization, and the ability to problem-solve are all essential traits for keeping the kitchen running like clockwork.
There’s no typical day in the life of a sous chef. One shift might be spent planning daily specials and ordering supplies, while the next could have them working hands-on at the sauté or grill station. Their responsibilities span both the creative and operational sides of the kitchen.
Managing Costs and Supplies
Sous chefs are responsible for keeping kitchen costs under control, balancing quality ingredients with budget constraints. They track inventory, order from vendors, and ensure the kitchen is fully stocked for each service.
Overseeing Kitchen Operations
From coordinating schedules to maintaining sanitation and safety standards, sous chefs ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. They supervise staff, guide cleaning routines, and step in during emergencies, such as covering a missing shift.
Staff Leadership and Communication
A sous chef is both a manager and a mentor. They keep the team aligned with the kitchen’s goals, communicate clearly under pressure, and provide guidance when problems arise. They also serve as the bridge between the executive chef and the kitchen staff, helping turn the executive chef’s vision into reality while suggesting improvements when needed.
Menu Planning and Creative Support
Working closely with the executive chef, sous chefs assist in planning menus, blending logistical planning with culinary creativity. Their hands-on experience ensures that new dishes are practical, achievable, and consistent with the restaurant’s standards.
If you’re asking, “What is a sous chef?” it helps to understand the hierarchy of a professional kitchen. Like many organizations, kitchens have different levels, with each role handling specific tasks — from basic prep work to high-level management. Sous chefs rank near the top, overseeing several positions beneath them.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers handle cleaning cutlery, dishes, and cookware. It’s an entry-level role that keeps the kitchen running smoothly.
Prep Cook
Prep cooks prepare ingredients for cooking, such as chopping vegetables and assisting with basic cleaning. Formal training isn’t always required, but it can improve job prospects.
Commis Chef
A commis chef is a junior cook who works under a line cook to gain hands-on experience. Many commis chefs are culinary students or recent graduates.
Line Cook
Line cooks, or station cooks, manage a specific area of the kitchen, like pastry, vegetables, or meat. They may work independently or with a small team in larger kitchens.
Sous Chef
The sous chef, or second chef, is the right hand of the head or executive chef. They bridge management and hands-on work, stepping in wherever needed. Flexibility, quick thinking, and business management skills are just as important as culinary expertise. Sous chefs are more common in larger kitchens, while smaller kitchens may not have this role.
Head Chef
The head chef manages daily kitchen operations, including supervising staff, handling vendors, and overseeing menus and budgets. In smaller kitchens, the head chef is the top authority.
Executive Chef
The executive chef is the highest-ranking leader in a kitchen, usually in large or high-end restaurants. Famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay hold this title. Executive chefs focus on management, planning menus, collaborating with vendors, and overseeing multiple locations, rather than cooking every day.
The first step to becoming a sous chef is landing an entry-level position. Instawork offers a variety of shifts for dishwashers and prep cooks with above-average pay, making it a great way to break into the industry. You can also apply directly to local kitchens or seek apprenticeships. Since traditional kitchens operate on a strict hierarchy, starting at the bottom and gaining experience is essential.
Attending culinary school can accelerate your path, but a degree isn’t required. Many sous chefs advance through years of hands-on experience. Professional programs can help you stand out, and certifications — like those from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) — can further boost your credentials. ACF certification typically requires five years of experience in entry-level roles, such as commis chef or line cook. Ultimately, the key to becoming a sous chef is gaining as much real-world kitchen experience as possible.
As of 2026, sous chefs in the U.S. typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 per year, with top earners making over $67,000. That breaks down to roughly $25–$31 per hour, with an average around $27/hour.
Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and type of workplace. For example, sous chefs in California can earn over $61,000 per year, while those in smaller markets like Missouri may earn closer to $53,000.
Platforms like Instawork also offer chef shifts that can pay above the local average, giving aspiring sous chefs opportunities to earn more while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Whether you’re a kitchen veteran or a complete newcomer, Instawork makes it easy to find well-paying shifts that fit your schedule. Our flexible platform lets you earn money while gaining hands-on experience in entry-level roles, giving you a real taste of kitchen life. Along the way, you can decide if a culinary career is right for you — or turn Instawork into a full-time opportunity, just like many other Instawork Professionals have.
Getting started is simple: create a profile, search for local opportunities, and sign up for shifts. Instawork handles the logistics — all you need to do is show up and do your best work. Ready to start earning while learning? Download the Instawork app today, and check out our Get Started Guide if you have any questions.
