Line Cook Salary in Torrance, CA
Line Cooks in Torrance, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.16 per hour, which translates to about $766.40 per week, $3,321.07 per month, and $39,852.80 per year.
The job market for Line Cooks in Torrance is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating increasing demand in the hospitality and food service industry around the region.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Torrance, CA?
The salary of a Line Cook in Torrance varies based on experience and workplace, but here’s a general overview of earnings at different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.67 | $666.80 | $2,885.87 | $34,609.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.16 | $766.40 | $3,321.07 | $39,852.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.03 | $881.20 | $3,804.53 | $45,822.40 |
Do Line Cooks in Torrance Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is typically behind the scenes preparing food. Their income primarily comes from wages rather than gratuities.
Line Cook Salary in Torrance vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $16.50 per hour, which is around $34,320 per year.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Torrance earn higher wages, averaging $19.16 per hour and about $39,852.80 annually.
This difference may be influenced by the local cost of living and the culinary demand in the Torrance area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Torrance for Line Cooks
Nearby areas also offer competitive salaries for Line Cooks:
- Del Amo Fashion Center: $23.00 per hour
- Downtown Torrance: $20.00 per hour
Working closer to Del Amo Fashion Center can offer Line Cooks higher earning potential compared to other nearby locations.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Torrance?
Several factors affect how much a Line Cook can earn in Torrance:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with expertise in specific cuisines can command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants and hotels may pay more than fast food or casual dining operations.
- Culinary Certifications: Holding certifications such as ServSafe or being a Certified Culinarian can increase earning potential.
- Shift Timing: Working evening or weekend shifts might come with shift differentials or bonuses.
- Local Market Demand: Demand for quality kitchen staff in Torrance's vibrant food scene can influence salary levels positively.
How To Become a Line Cook in Torrance
Starting a career as a Line Cook in Torrance can be achieved through several steps, enhancing both skills and employment prospects.
Education and Training: Aspiring Line Cooks may pursue culinary education programs such as the Long Beach City College Culinary Arts Program, which offers in-depth training in culinary fundamentals. Also, the Los Angeles Hospitality Education Center provides practical culinary courses and certifications including ServSafe, which is critical for food safety proficiency.
Certifications: Obtaining certifications like ServSafe Certification and the American Culinary Federation's Certified Culinarian (CC) credential can make candidates more attractive to employers.
On-the-Job Experience: Many Line Cooks start in entry-level kitchen positions such as prep cook or kitchen porter to develop skills before advancing.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Torrance
Some notable employers actively seeking Line Cooks in Torrance include:
- Din Tai Fung
- Nordstrom
- P.F. Chang's
- Holiday Inn
- California Pizza Kitchen
Establishments That Line Cooks in Torrance Work At
Line Cooks in Torrance find employment opportunities in a variety of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide consistent schedules with moderate wages.
- Fast Casual and Quick-Service Establishments: These usually offer faster-paced environments with competitive but sometimes lower pay.
- Hotels and Resorts: Tend to offer higher salaries along with potential benefits.
- Specialty and Ethnic Restaurants: May provide opportunities to specialize in specific cuisines, potentially increasing pay.
The type and prestige of the establishment can make a significant difference in a Line Cook's salary.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Torrance for Line Cooks
If you're interested in careers similar to being a Line Cook, consider these options which share similar skills and salary ranges.
These include Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Commis Chef, all of which involve comparable kitchen duties with varying responsibility levels.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Torrance
Line Cooks should be familiar with federal, state, and local labor laws affecting their employment and earnings.
- Consult the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for information on wage standards and worker rights.
- Check the California state website for labor laws and workplace regulations for state-specific guidelines including minimum wage and overtime rules.
- The City of Torrance official website offers resources on local ordinances and employment resources.