Line Cook Salary in Ventura, CA
Line Cooks in Ventura, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $18.28 per hour, which translates to about $731.20 per week, $3,168.53 per month, and $38,022.40 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Ventura is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and expanding opportunities in the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Ventura, CA?
The salary of a Line Cook in Ventura varies with experience and expertise. Below is a breakdown of hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.87 | $634.80 | $2,741.96 | $32,961.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.28 | $731.20 | $3,168.53 | $38,022.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.06 | $842.40 | $3,635.20 | $43,804.80 |
Do Line Cooks in Ventura Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips directly, as their role is primarily behind the scenes preparing food. However, in some establishments, they might receive occasional tip-sharing, but this is not guaranteed or a significant income portion.
Line Cook Salary in Ventura vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $18.28 per hour, equating to roughly $38,022.40 per year.
In comparison, Line Cooks in Ventura earn about the same as the national average, at $18.28 per hour and $38,022.40 annually, which suggests that Ventura is aligned with the broader U.S. market for this role.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Ventura for Line Cooks
The pay for Line Cooks can vary within different neighborhoods of Ventura:
- Downtown Ventura: $19.50 per hour
- Midtown Ventura: $20.00 per hour
These areas offer higher wages possibly due to more upscale restaurants and higher demand for culinary staff.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Ventura?
Several important factors affect what a Line Cook can earn:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks capable of handling diverse kitchens or specializing in cuisines tend to command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in higher-end restaurants, hotels, or resorts typically offers better compensation than fast-food or casual dining outlets.
- Culinary Training: Formal education or certifications can boost salary potential, reflecting a higher skill set.
- Responsibility and Shift Hours: Line Cooks taking on supervisor roles or working night and weekend shifts often earn more.
- Location Within Ventura: Neighborhoods with upscale dining options tend to pay more, as reflected by higher wages in Midtown and Downtown Ventura.
How To Become a Line Cook in Ventura
Entering the profession as a Line Cook in Ventura typically involves a mix of education and practical experience:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Ventura College Culinary Arts Program provides hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and food safety, which is ideal for beginners.
- Consider Nearby Options: Oxnard College Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Program offers additional coursework in menu planning and hospitality management to build diverse skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the California Food Handler Card are often required or preferred by employers.
- Gain Work Experience: Starting as kitchen assistants or in entry-level cooking jobs helps build the skills needed to advance.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Ventura
Several popular and reputable establishments frequently seek skilled Line Cooks in Ventura:
- Urbane Cafe
- Peirano
- Ventiki Lounge
- Lanai
Establishments That Line Cooks in Ventura Work At
Line Cooks can be found across a variety of venues in Ventura, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Typically offer competitive wages but less than upscale venues.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Often pay less but provide fast-paced environments with steady hours.
- Hotels and Resorts: Tend to pay more due to higher expectations for food quality and volume.
- Specialty or Ethnic Restaurants: Opportunities to specialize, sometimes with higher pay for unique cooking skills.
The type of establishment can significantly impact salary, with upscale environments generally offering higher compensation and more opportunities for advancement.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Ventura for Line Cooks
If you are interested in careers similar to Line Cook, consider the following related jobs with comparable skill sets:
The roles include Chef de Partie, Fry Cook, and Head Chef, each with distinct responsibilities yet sharing foundational culinary skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Ventura
Line Cooks should be familiar with local and federal labor laws affecting their employment:
- For federal regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For California state labor standards and workplace requirements, the California Department of Industrial Relations provides comprehensive resources.