Hospitality & Food

How to become a Sous Chef

From line cook: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–4 years

Typical pay

$48k–$68k

Starting from

Line cook

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from line cook and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–3 years

   Master every station on the line

   You will be expected to jump onto any of them under pressure.

   Course that covers thisHospitality and Culinary Arts Careers – Culinary FoundationsUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   6–12 months

   Learn ordering and food cost

   The step from cooking to running a kitchen is a numbers step.

   Course that covers thisHotel Management - Foundation Course for Hotel ManagersUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   1–2 weeks

   Get your food safety manager certification

   Usually required for anyone supervising a kitchen.

   ◆ ServSafe Food Protection Manager

   Course that covers thisServSafe Exam Prep: Reviewer and Mock Exams | Review CentralUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   1–2 years

   Take the second-in-command role

   Scheduling, prep lists and covering the chef's days off.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Sous Chef

   Browse jobs now →

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