Line Cook Salary in Pomona, CA
Line Cooks in Pomona, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $20.42 per hour, which translates to about $816.80 per week, $3,539.47 per month, and $42,473.60 per year.
The job demand for Line Cooks in Pomona is growing at a rate of 5% annually, indicating a positive outlook and increased need for skilled culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Pomona, CA?
The salary of a Line Cook in Pomona varies based on experience and employer, but the following table offers a detailed view of expected earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $17.76 | $710.40 | $3,074.40 | $36,940.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.42 | $816.80 | $3,540.27 | $42,473.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.48 | $939.20 | $4,044.53 | $48,870.40 |
Do Line Cooks in Pomona Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips as their role is focused in the kitchen rather than direct customer service. Their compensation is mostly based on their hourly wage or salary.
Line Cook Salary in Pomona vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn on average around $16 per hour, which equates to about $33,280 annually.
Comparatively, Line Cooks in Pomona earn significantly more, with an average hourly rate of $20.42 and an annual salary of approximately $42,473.60. This difference reflects regional cost of living and demand differences.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Pomona for Line Cooks
Nearby areas offer the following average hourly wages for Line Cooks:
- Baldwin Park: $44.49
- Rowland Heights: $39.55
These areas pay substantially higher wages, possibly due to specialized establishments or higher local living costs.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Pomona?
Several factors can shape the earnings of a Line Cook in Pomona:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with advanced culinary skills command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels often offers better wages than fast food outlets or casual dining.
- Certifications and Training: Food safety certifications and culinary education can boost salary potential.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts might offer shift differentials leading to increased pay.
- Local Market Demand and Cost of Living: Pomona’s local labor market and living expenses influence pay scales.
How To Become a Line Cook in Pomona
To start a career as a Line Cook in Pomona, consider taking the following steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Programs: The Culinary Arts Program at Mt. San Antonio College offers hands-on training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety, conveniently located near Pomona.
- Hospitality Management Education: The Hospitality Management Program at Cal Poly Pomona provides excellent courses covering culinary arts and restaurant management, equipping students for line cook roles.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Earning the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or the mandatory California Food Handler Card ensures compliance with safety standards, a common hiring requirement.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Starting in entry-level positions or internships helps develop practical skills essential for career advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Pomona
Some prominent employers looking to hire Line Cooks in Pomona include:
- McDonald's
- Farmer Boys
- HealthRIGHT 360
Establishments That Line Cooks in Pomona Work At
Line Cooks often find roles in various food service establishments around Pomona, including:
- Fast Food Restaurants: High volume, quick service jobs with typically moderate pay.
- Casual Dining: Moderate pace and salary with opportunities to develop skills.
- Fine Dining and Hotels: Higher skill demand with greater pay and potential career growth.
- Catering Companies: Dynamic work environment, sometimes with seasonal variability in pay and hours.
The type of establishment influences salary with fine dining and hotels generally offering higher wages due to skill level and customer expectations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Pomona for Line Cooks
If you're exploring allied careers in hospitality, consider these similar positions:
These include Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie positions, which share common culinary skills and may have variable salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Pomona
Line Cooks should be familiar with labor laws and tax responsibilities to ensure fair working conditions and proper compliance.
- For federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California state labor laws and workplace regulations can be reviewed at the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
- Pomona-specific employment regulations are available on the City of Pomona official website.