Prep Cook Salary in Oxnard, CA
Prep Cooks in Oxnard, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $17.50 per hour, which translates to about $700.00 per week, $3,033.33 per month, and $36,400.00 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Oxnard is increasing, growing at about 10% per year, indicating a strong and expanding need for culinary support staff in the area.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Oxnard, CA?
The earnings of a Prep Cook in Oxnard depend on experience and skill level. Here is an overview of hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly pay by experience level.
| 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 Prep Cooks in Oxnard Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work mainly involves back-of-house food preparation and does not typically include direct customer interaction. Their income primarily comes from their base salary or wages.
Prep Cook Salary in Oxnard vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
In comparison, Prep Cooks in Oxnard earn significantly more, about $17.50 per hour and $36,400 annually.
This difference is likely due to the higher cost of living in California and strong local demand for culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Oxnard for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer varied pay rates for Prep Cooks:
- Riverpark: $18.00 per hour
- Sea Air: $17.00 per hour
Working in Riverpark may provide slightly higher earnings compared to Sea Air, but both areas offer competitive wages for Prep Cooks near Oxnard.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Oxnard?
Several factors affect how much a Prep Cook earns:
- Experience: More experienced Prep Cooks typically command higher wages due to improved skills and efficiency.
- Skills and Specializations: Knowledge in food safety, knife skills, and specific cuisine types can enhance salary potential.
- Type of Establishment: Employment at upscale or fine dining restaurants might offer better pay than fast food or casual dining outlets.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or weekend shifts might carry premium pay, increasing overall earnings.
- Location and Cost of Living: Salaries in Oxnard may be higher to offset living expenses compared to other regions.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Oxnard
Becoming a Prep Cook in Oxnard can be achieved through a combination of education, certification, and experience.
Some pathways to consider include:
- Enrolling in local culinary education programs such as the Oxnard College Culinary Arts Program, which offers hands-on training and certificate options designed to prepare students for entry-level culinary roles.
- Attending the Pacifica High School Culinary Arts Academy to gain early, in-depth experience in food production, sanitation, and industry practices.
- Obtaining food safety certifications required to work in California kitchens, including the nationally recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the state-mandated California Food Handler Card.
- Gaining practical experience by seeking entry-level kitchen jobs or internships to develop essential culinary and kitchen management skills.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Oxnard
Several well-known employers actively hire Prep Cooks in Oxnard, including:
- Olive Garden
- The Cheesecake Factory
- BJ's Restaurants
- Yard House
- Herzog Wine Cellars
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Oxnard Work At
Prep Cooks find positions in various types of food service establishments, such as:
- Casual Restaurants: These venues usually offer consistent hours and moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: These environments might pay slightly less but can offer faster-paced work with advancement opportunities.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants: These often provide higher wages reflecting the need for greater skill and precision.
- Catering and Banquet Facilities: Prep Cooks here might work on larger-scale food preparation with varying schedules and pay.
The diversity of establishments means salary and work conditions can vary widely depending on the venue's prestige, clientele, and scale.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Oxnard for Prep Cooks
Those exploring hospitality careers related to Prep Cooking might consider roles such as:
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Pastry Cook positions, which share culinary skills and offer distinct salary ranges and career paths.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Oxnard
Prep Cooks should familiarize themselves with federal, state, and local labor regulations to ensure workplace rights and proper tax handling.
- Federal labor laws and employment information are available at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California-specific labor laws and regulations can be found on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
- The City of Oxnard official website provides local regulations and employment resources.