Line Cook in Garden-Grove, CA
Line Cooks in Garden-Grove, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $20.72 per hour, which translates to about $828.80 per week, $3,591.47 per month, and $43,097.60 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Garden-Grove is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy demand for culinary professionals in the region.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Garden-Grove, CA?
The salary of a Line Cook in Garden-Grove can vary depending on experience and employer, but the general earnings across different levels are outlined below.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.00 | $880.00 | $3,813.33 | $45,760.00 |
Do Line Cooks in Garden-Grove Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips since they work primarily in the kitchen and do not interact directly with customers. Their compensation is mostly from hourly wages.
Line Cook Salary in Garden-Grove vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Garden-Grove Line Cooks earn significantly higher wages, with about $20.72 per hour and $43,097.60 annually.
This discrepancy is influenced by local living costs and demand for culinary talent in Garden-Grove.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Garden-Grove for Line Cooks
Looking at nearby cities, here are some of the highest-paying areas for Line Cooks:
- Westminster: $25.43 per hour
- Santa Ana: $20.29 per hour
Westminster offers notably higher pay, making it an attractive option for Line Cooks willing to commute.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Garden-Grove?
Several factors can influence a Line Cook's salary in Garden-Grove:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with advanced culinary skills or specializations tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or hotels may offer better pay compared to fast casual or chain restaurants.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Night shifts or overtime hours can sometimes include premium pay.
- Certifications: Food safety and culinary certifications can enhance eligibility for higher wages.
- Local Demand: The demand for skilled kitchen staff in the Garden-Grove area also plays a role in salary levels.
How To Become a Line Cook in Garden-Grove
Starting a career as a Line Cook in Garden-Grove involves several practical steps and possible educational paths.
- Enroll in Culinary Education Programs: Garden Grove High School offers programs such as Culinary Arts and Professional Culinary Internship courses. These courses teach food safety, preparation techniques, and kitchen operations, even allowing students to obtain ServSafe Food Handler certification and earn college credits.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is essential for understanding proper food safety practices, making candidates more attractive to employers.
- Gain Professional Certifications: Certifications like Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation can demonstrate foundational culinary skills.
- Acquire Work Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles or internships builds hands-on skills and industry experience important for growth.
- Network and Apply to Local Establishments: Engaging with local foodservice employers and participating in internships can increase job opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Garden-Grove
Some prominent employers actively hiring Line Cooks in Garden-Grove include:
- Joe's Crab Shack
- Red Robin
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Anaheim Marriott Suites
- Olive Garden
Establishments That Line Cooks in Garden-Grove Work At
Line Cooks in Garden-Grove typically work in various types of culinary establishments, each influencing salary potential differently:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Provide steady work with moderate wages and opportunities for experience growth.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Often offer entry-level wages with fast-paced environments.
- Hotel and Resort Kitchens: Typically offer higher wages and benefits due to scale and clientele expectations.
- Specialty and Upscale Restaurants: Usually provide better compensation in exchange for higher culinary skill and precision.
The nature and prestige of the establishment are important factors in determining salary.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Garden-Grove for Line Cooks
If you are interested in careers similar to Line Cook, here are a few related roles you might consider:
These include Fry Cook, Cook, and Head Chef positions, which involve culinary skills at various levels and may offer different salary ranges and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Garden-Grove
Line Cooks in Garden-Grove should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax regulations relevant to their employment.
- Federal labor laws and regulations can be reviewed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California-specific labor laws and workplace regulations are detailed at the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- Local ordinances and resources for Garden Grove employees are available on the City of Garden Grove official site.