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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