Chef in Hawthorne, CA
Chefs in Hawthorne, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The job market for Chefs in Hawthorne is growing at a rate of 5% per year, indicating a positive demand outlook for culinary professionals within the area.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Hawthorne, CA?
The earnings of a Chef in Hawthorne vary depending on experience, skills, and employer type. Here's an overview of the typical salary scale in the area across different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Chefs in Hawthorne Earn Tips?
Chefs typically do not receive tips directly as their work is primarily behind the scenes. Their income usually comes from their base wages, but in some establishments, particularly smaller or higher-end venues, there might be occasional performance bonuses or profit sharing instead of direct tipping.
Chef Salary in Hawthorne, CA vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which equates to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Chefs in Hawthorne earn slightly less on average, with an hourly wage around $13.90 and an annual salary of approximately $28,912. This difference may reflect local economic conditions and employer types.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hawthorne for Chefs
Nearby areas offer varying salary levels for Chefs, such as:
- Del Aire: $15.50 per hour
- North Hawthorne: $17.60 per hour
Chefs working in North Hawthorne enjoy the highest pay levels among these nearby locales, making commuting or relocation considerations worthwhile for some culinary professionals.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Hawthorne?
Several factors influence how much a Chef can earn in Hawthorne:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Chefs with advanced culinary techniques or specialized cuisine knowledge generally command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Chefs working in fine dining or upscale restaurants often earn more compared to those in casual or fast-food venues.
- Culinary Certifications: Holding certifications such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC) can enhance earning potential.
- Responsibility Level: Head Chefs or Kitchen Managers overseeing operations typically have higher pay than line chefs or commis chefs.
- Local Economic Conditions: Hawthorne's cost of living and local demand for culinary expertise impact salary levels.
How To Become a Chef in Hawthorne
Getting started as a Chef in Hawthorne involves several key steps:
- Complete a Culinary Arts Program: Consider programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College for hands-on training and industry certification.
- Pursue Professional Culinary Training: The Professional Chef Program at Institute of Culinary Education, Los Angeles, offers intensive skill development focusing on modern techniques and global cuisines.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Acquiring ServSafe Food Handler Certification is mandatory in California and ensures knowledge of vital food safety practices.
- Gain Experience: Start gaining experience in kitchens, from entry-level cook to more advanced roles, to build a strong foundation.
- Earn Advanced Certifications: Pursuing certifications such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC) can distinguish your expertise and improve job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Hawthorne
Some of the prominent employers hiring Chefs in Hawthorne include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Chefs in Hawthorne Work At
Chefs in Hawthorne are employed across diverse establishment types:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These typically offer higher wages reflecting skill demands and the upscale nature of cuisine served.
- Casual and Fast Casual Dining: These establishments often have more standard pay scales but can offer steady work.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger venues may provide better benefits and salary packages.
- Fast Food Chains: Usually entry-level chef roles with lower pay but opportunities to gain experience quickly.
The type of establishment significantly impacts a Chef's salary and growth opportunities in the culinary career path.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hawthorne for Chef
If you are interested in roles similar to Chef, consider these related careers:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, which share related skills and responsibilities in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chef in Hawthorne
Chefs working in Hawthorne should be well-informed about labor laws and tax regulations that affect their employment.
- For federal labor laws and employment information, refer to the U.S. Department of Labor.
- California-specific labor laws and workplace regulations can be found on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
- For city-specific information and resources, visit the local government site at hawthorne-ca.gov.