Chef Salary in Long Beach, CA
Chefs in Long Beach, CA, in 2026, earn approximately $22.23 per hour, which translates to about $889.20 per week, $3,853.20 per month, and $46,238.40 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Long Beach is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities and career growth in this culinary profession.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Long Beach, CA?
The salary of a Chef in Long Beach varies by experience and skill level. Below is an overview of typical earnings across different career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.23 | $889.20 | $3,853.20 | $46,238.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $27.68 | $1,107.20 | $4,783.73 | $57,574.40 |
Do Chefs in Long Beach Earn Tips?
Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes. However, in some restaurants, chefs in front-of-house roles or private chefs may receive occasional tips, but this is not standard. Most of their earnings come from their base salary.
Chef Salary in Long Beach vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn around $19.68 per hour, which equates to about $40,934.40 annually. In comparison, Chefs in Long Beach earn a higher average hourly wage of $22.23 and an annual salary of $46,238.40.
This difference is likely due to the higher cost of living in California and the strong culinary industry presence in Long Beach, which demands seasoned culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Long Beach for Chefs
The pay for Chefs can vary depending on the specific area within proximity to Long Beach:
- Downtown: $24.00 per hour
- Belmont Shore: $25.50 per hour
Chefs working in Belmont Shore can expect to earn above average according to these regional figures.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Long Beach?
Several factors influence how much a Chef can earn in Long Beach:
- Experience Level: More experienced Chefs are typically compensated with higher wages due to their proven culinary skills.
- Skill Specialization: Chefs skilled in specialized cuisines or with additional capabilities such as managing kitchen operations tend to earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Working in a high-end restaurant or hotel usually offers better pay than smaller or casual eateries.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary training and certifications enhance credibility and can lead to increased earnings.
- Location Within the City: Chefs in upscale or more expensive districts often earn more due to clientele and establishment prestige.
How To Become a Chef in Long Beach
Becoming a Chef requires a mix of formal training, practical experience, and certifications. Here are some steps you can take:
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Programs: Consider attending Long Beach City College Culinary Arts Program or Los Angeles Trade-Technical College Culinary Arts Program. These provide comprehensive training and industry-recognized certifications.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Achieve credentials like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification to demonstrate knowledge of food safety.
- Advance Your Career: Pursue certifications such as Certified Sous Chef (CSC) from the American Culinary Federation to showcase advanced culinary skills and leadership.
- Gain Practical Experience: Work in various kitchen roles to build skills, from prep cook to line cook to lead chef.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Long Beach
Several prominent employers regularly hire Chefs in Long Beach, including:
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Marriott International
- Aimbridge Hospitality
- ASM Global
- 555 East
Establishments That Chefs in Long Beach Work At
Chefs work in a wide range of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide steady work with competitive pay, though generally less than upscale venues.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Tend to offer higher salaries and opportunities for specialization.
- Hotels and Resorts: May provide higher pay and benefits due to the scale and quality expectations.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically have lower pay but greater job availability.
The type of establishment plays a significant role in salary, with upscale and specialty venues generally offering greater earning potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Long Beach for Chefs
For those interested in careers similar to Chef, here are a few related roles worth exploring:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, all of which require culinary expertise and leadership abilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Long Beach
Chefs should be familiar with labor laws and tax requirements at the federal, state, and local levels to protect their rights and properly manage their earnings.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California-specific labor laws and workplace regulations can be found at the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- For city-specific employment resources and regulations, check the Long Beach local government website.