Line Cook Salary in Fontana, CA
Line Cooks in Fontana, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $18.08 per hour, which translates to about $723.20 per week, $3,133.87 per month, and $37,606.40 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Fontana is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the local culinary market.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Fontana, CA?
The salary of a Line Cook in Fontana can vary depending on experience and employer, but here are typical earnings across different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.50 | $660.00 | $2,860.00 | $31,680.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.08 | $723.20 | $3,133.87 | $37,606.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
Do Line Cooks in Fontana Earn Tips?
Typically, Line Cooks do not earn tips as they work behind the scenes preparing meals rather than interacting directly with customers. Their income mostly comes from their salary or wages.
Line Cook Salary in Fontana vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn around $14.50 per hour and approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Fontana earn a significantly higher hourly wage of $18.08 and a yearly salary of about $37,606.40. This difference is influenced by Fontana's local market conditions and living costs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fontana for Line Cooks
Nearby cities with higher average salaries for Line Cooks include:
- Banning: $19.97 per hour
- Colton: $19.80 per hour
Line Cooks willing to commute may find better pay options in these surrounding areas.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Fontana?
Several important factors affect the salary of a Line Cook in Fontana:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced cooks with advanced culinary skills, knife techniques, and efficiency typically earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants or upscale venues usually offer higher pay compared to fast casual or chain eateries.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Some shifts, like nights or weekends, may include shift differentials that boost wages.
- Certifications and Training: Possessing food safety certifications, culinary training, or specialized culinary knowledge can improve pay prospects.
- Local Demand: The number of available positions and the cost of living in Fontana directly influence wage levels.
How To Become a Line Cook in Fontana
Starting a career as a Line Cook in Fontana can involve several helpful steps:
- Obtain Culinary Training: Programs like the Chaffey College Culinary Arts Program in nearby Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino Valley College Culinary Arts Program provide essential cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development skills.
- Earn Food Safety Certification: California requires food handlers to have certification such as the Food Handler Certification offered by programs like ServSafe to ensure proper sanitation and safety.
- Consider Professional Certifications: The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certification offers credentials that can enhance your professional standing and open more job opportunities.
- Gain Experience: Working in entry-level kitchen roles or apprenticeships helps develop practical skills and an employment history.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Fontana
Several well-known restaurants and groups actively seek Line Cooks in the Fontana area:
- Chili's
- El Pollo Loco
- Panda Restaurant Group
Establishments That Line Cooks in Fontana Work At
Line Cooks find work in a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide steady employment and moderate pay levels.
- Fast Casual Chains: Usually involve faster-paced environments with competitive but generally moderate wages.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Offer higher pay rates, opportunities to develop advanced culinary skills, and career growth.
- Hotels and Catering: May include additional benefits and more consistent schedules.
The type of establishment heavily impacts salary as well as working conditions for Line Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fontana for Line Cooks
If you're exploring jobs related to Line Cooking, consider these similar roles:
These include Head Chef, Chef de Partie, and Fry Cook roles, each requiring similar culinary skills but varying in responsibility and salary.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Fontana
Line Cooks should be aware of local, state, and federal regulations affecting their work and compensation.
- For California state labor laws and regulations, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- The California Employment Development Department provides employment services and tax information.
- Federal labor laws and workplace rights can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.