For The Love Of Food: An Inside Look At Sous Chef Jobs

For The Love Of Food: An Inside Look At Sous Chef Jobs

If you truly love cooking, working towards a sous chef career may be an outstanding decision that rewards you with access to improved earning potential and plentiful job opportunities. Sous chefs are instrumental in the daily operations of restaurants, and they are in charge of food preparation at most eating establishments. While many sous chefs start as entry-level cooks, professionals can enjoy the bright future of a sous chef by attending classes at an accredited training program.


The Responsibilities Of A Sous Chef

An executive chef is usually in charge of daily operations at most restaurants, and the term sous is actually derived from a French word that means under. Sous chefs work under the executive chef as second-in-charge of a restaurant, and professionals may encounter a wide range of different duties during their work. Sous chef duties include mixing ingredients, planning meals, and preparing meats for dining customers. Sous chefs may find themselves making simple dishes, and they may also be responsible for making sure that the kitchen is fully stocked with the ingredients that are needed for daily operations.

The Future Of Sous Chef Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps detailed records for a wide variety of different industries. The BLS predicts that the median salary for people who land a sous chef career is about $40,630 per year. Since this is a median salary, several factors should be considered by potential sous chefs. Wages are usually higher in larger geographic areas, and professionals who work in exclusive establishments can expect to earn more money. Experience also plays a crucial factor in the future outlook of a sous chef, and professionals who have been working in the field for several years can expect higher salaries and more rewarding working conditions.

Training To Become A Sous Chef

Most sous chefs enter the field when they are still young, and plenty of training programs are readily available. Culinary schools focus on teaching in a hands-on setting, and the leading programs often have their own restaurants that are fully staffed and operated by students of the program. This experience is essential for a successful career because employers usually expect results from their sous chefs.

Certifications Needed To Have A Sous Chef Career

In the field, most sous chefs attend some type of formal program, and they may have an associate degree in the culinary arts. An associate degree usually requires two years of study at an accredited institution, and graduates will have earned a diploma that shows employers that they have the skills needed to work in a fast-paced, professional setting. The American Culinary Federation (ACF) also sponsors a variety of apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning with on-the-job training. After you complete a program that is accredited but the ACF, you can boost your resume with a sous chef certification. The career of a sous chef is incredibly bright, and anyone can turn their passion for cooking into a rewarding career with two years of courses at an accredited culinary arts institution. Daily responsibilities include preparing meals in a restaurant or resort setting and ensuring that food is made to meet the demanding specifications of patrons. With plenty of opportunities for graduates of a program, students can turn their time and talent into a career that provides outstanding salaries and lots of chances for advancement. Often, an executive chef will start as a sous chef and work their way to higher wages as they add to their skill set. Enjoy this article? You've got time for another! Check out these related articles:Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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