Cook Salary in Santa Monica, CA
Cooks in Santa Monica, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $23.30 per hour, translating to about $932.00 per week, $4,038.67 per month, and $48,464.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Santa Monica is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook driven by the area's thriving hospitality and culinary scenes.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Santa Monica, CA?
The salary of a Cook in Santa Monica varies based on experience and establishment type. Below is an overview of pay rates at various experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.57 | $742.80 | $3,213.20 | $38,553.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $23.30 | $932.00 | $4,038.67 | $48,464.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.23 | $1,169.20 | $5,052.53 | $60,798.40 |
Do Cooks in Santa Monica Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips directly as their work is primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their earnings are usually based on their hourly or salaried wages without additional tip income.
Cook Salary in Santa Monica vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of about $23.30 per hour, or roughly $48,464 per year.
In Santa Monica, the average pay aligns closely with the national average, making the city competitive for culinary professionals despite its higher cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Monica for Cooks
Nearby neighborhoods offer varying pay scales for Cooks:
- Downtown Santa Monica: $25.50 per hour
- Ocean Park: $24.80 per hour
Cooks working in Downtown Santa Monica generally earn a higher hourly wage compared to other nearby areas, reflecting the area's bustling dining scene.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Santa Monica?
Several factors impact how much a Cook can earn in Santa Monica.
- Experience Level: More experienced Cooks tend to command higher wages due to their developed culinary skills and efficiency.
- Skills and Specializations: Expertise in specialized cuisines or cooking techniques can increase pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotel kitchens often offer higher salaries compared to fast casual or casual dining spots.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or weekend shifts might pay more due to demand and staffing challenges.
- Education and Certifications: Culinary training and certifications may bolster earnings potential.
How To Become a Cook in Santa Monica
Launching a career as a Cook in Santa Monica can be supported by several key steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Training: Programs such as the Santa Monica College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive, hands-on culinary education.
- Pursue Professional Culinary Education: The Institute of Culinary Education Los Angeles Campus specializes in contemporary cooking techniques and global cuisines.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler and Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation are valuable credentials highly regarded by employers.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles helps build essential skills and opens pathways to advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Santa Monica
Some of the prominent employers seeking skilled Cooks in Santa Monica include:
- The Edward Thomas Collection
- Mina Group
- True Food Kitchen
Establishments That Cooks in Santa Monica Work At
Cooks in Santa Monica typically work in a variety of dining and food preparation establishments.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer steady work with moderate salary ranges.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Prioritize speed and efficiency, often providing competitive wages for skilled Cooks.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Usually compensate more due to the complexity and skill level required.
- Hotels and Resorts: May offer higher pay and benefits due to larger scale operations.
The type of establishment can greatly influence a Cook’s earning potential and career growth opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Monica for Cooks
Cooks interested in expanding or shifting their hospitality careers may consider related roles such as:
These include Line Cook, Chef de Partie, and Commis Chef roles, which involve related kitchen responsibilities with varying skills and pay scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Santa Monica
Cooks should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax requirements to ensure proper working conditions and compliance.
- Federal labor laws and regulations can be reviewed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California-specific labor laws are outlined on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.