Line Cook Salary in West Covina, CA
Line Cooks in West Covina, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $22.26 per hour, which translates to about $890.40 per week, $3,858.40 per month, and $46,300.80 per year.
The job market for Line Cooks in West Covina is showing positive growth at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in West Covina, CA?
The salary of a Line Cook in West Covina varies based on experience and employer type. Below is the breakdown by experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.05 | $762.00 | $3,298.00 | $39,624.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.26 | $890.40 | $3,858.40 | $46,300.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.44 | $1,057.60 | $4,557.87 | $54,995.20 |
Do Line Cooks in West Covina Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is mostly behind the scenes preparing food rather than interacting directly with customers. Their compensation is primarily made up of hourly wages and sometimes additional benefits.
Line Cook Salary in West Covina vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $18.02 per hour, which amounts to approximately $37,481.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in West Covina earn higher wages at about $22.26 per hour and $46,300.80 annually, reflecting regional economic factors and the demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near West Covina for Line Cooks
Looking at the nearby cities, Line Cook salaries vary as follows:
- Baldwin Park: $21.39 per hour
- Pomona: $19.66 per hour
Line Cooks employed in Baldwin Park can expect a slightly higher hourly wage compared to those in Pomona, with West Covina positioning itself as a competitive market.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in West Covina?
Several factors can affect the salary of a Line Cook in West Covina:
- Experience Level: More experienced Line Cooks tend to earn higher wages due to advanced skills and efficiency.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale or specialty restaurants often pays more than fast food or casual dining.
- Skills and Certifications: Possessing culinary certificates or specialized cooking skills can elevate pay.
- Work Shift: Evening or weekend shifts might come with shift differentials that increase earnings.
- Local Economic Conditions: Cost of living and regional demand impact overall salary levels.
How To Become a Line Cook in West Covina
To pursue a career as a Line Cook in West Covina, consider the following steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Educational opportunities like the Culinary Arts Program at Mt. San Antonio College or Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena offer strong foundations in cooking techniques and kitchen management.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required and demonstrate important knowledge of food safety.
- Earn Culinary Certifications: Consider pursuing Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation to boost credibility and job prospects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Hands-on work in kitchens helps develop skills and establish a career path.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in West Covina
Some notable employers in West Covina looking to hire skilled Line Cooks include:
- Porto's Bakery
- Kindred Hospitals
- El Pollo Loco
- Merrill Gardens at Campbell
- West Covina Healthcare Center
Establishments That Line Cooks in West Covina Work At
Line Cooks in West Covina typically find employment across various types of food service establishments, such as:
- Fast Food Restaurants: Usually offer entry-level opportunities with moderate wages but high volume work.
- Casual Dining: These establishments often pay more than fast food and offer training for career growth.
- Fine Dining: Pay tends to be higher, reflecting the advanced skills required and the quality of cuisine prepared.
- Catering and Institutional Kitchens: May offer steady hours and competitive pay depending on the employer.
The type of establishment strongly impacts salary, with fine dining generally providing the highest compensation for Line Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in West Covina for Line Cooks
If you're exploring careers related to Line Cook positions, here are a few similar roles to consider that share culinary skills and can offer different salary potentials:
These roles include Chef de Partie, Prep Cook, and Head Chef, each with unique responsibilities within kitchen operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in West Covina
Line Cooks should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax guidelines to ensure fair work conditions and compliance.
- For federal labor laws and employment regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California state labor laws and workplace safety resources are available at the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- The City of West Covina official website provides local business regulations, permits, and employment ordinances.