Sushi Chef Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Sushi Chefs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $22.05 per hour, which translates to about $882.00 per week, $3,822.00 per month, and $45,864.00 per year.
The demand for Sushi Chefs in Rancho Cucamonga is growing positively at around 5% per year, indicating an encouraging increase in job opportunities within the culinary industry in this region.
How Much Does a Sushi Chef Make in Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
The salary of a Sushi Chef in Rancho Cucamonga can vary based on experience and skills, but below is a general overview of earnings at different levels of expertise.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.05 | $882.00 | $3,822.00 | $45,864.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.57 | $1,142.80 | $4,936.27 | $59,345.60 |
Do Sushi Chefs in Rancho Cucamonga Earn Tips?
Sushi Chefs typically do not earn tips directly as their work is mostly behind the scenes preparing food. However, in some establishments, they may receive small gratuities passed on from servers, but these are usually minimal and not a reliable source of income.
Sushi Chef Salary in Rancho Cucamonga vs. National Average
The national average salary for Sushi Chefs is about $20.05 per hour or roughly $41,704 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sushi Chefs in Rancho Cucamonga earn slightly higher wages at $22.05 per hour and $45,864 annually, which could be due to the higher cost of living and demand for specialized culinary skills in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Rancho Cucamonga for Sushi Chefs
Nearby areas also offer competitive pay for Sushi Chefs:
- Area 1: $22.05 per hour
- Area 2: $22.05 per hour
These regions maintain salary rates on par with Rancho Cucamonga, providing alternatives for Sushi Chefs seeking opportunities in surrounding communities.
What Influences a Sushi Chef’s Salary in Rancho Cucamonga?
Several key factors influence a Sushi Chef’s salary locally:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Sushi Chefs with refined knife skills and presentation techniques tend to earn higher wages.
- Skills and Certifications: Possessing culinary certifications, particularly related to seafood handling and Japanese cuisine, can enhance salary potential.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants and sushi bars generally pay better than casual dining venues or fast-casual chains.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Evening and weekend shifts may come with premium pay in some establishments.
- Local Market Demand: The growing interest in sushi and Japanese cuisine in Rancho Cucamonga raises demand, supporting better compensation.
How To Become a Sushi Chef in Rancho Cucamonga
Starting a career as a Sushi Chef in Rancho Cucamonga typically involves a combination of education, training, and certifications:
- Complete a Culinary Arts Program: Schools like Chaffey College Culinary Arts Program and San Bernardino Valley College Culinary Arts Program offer excellent foundations including sushi preparation techniques.
- Gain Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is essential to ensure proper food sanitation and safety practices.
- Obtain Specialty Certification: Achieving credentials such as the Certified Sushi Chef (CSC) from the American Culinary Federation can validate skills and boost employability.
- Apprenticeship and Practical Experience: Many Sushi Chefs start as kitchen assistants or apprentices honing knife skills and sushi rolling under experienced chefs.
Top Employers Hiring Sushi Chefs in Rancho Cucamonga
Local dining establishments actively recruiting skilled Sushi Chefs include:
- Wabi Sabi Teppan Steak House & Sushi Bar
- Shokunin
- Shogun Restaurant
Establishments That Sushi Chefs in Rancho Cucamonga Work At
Sushi Chefs typically work in various settings that can affect their salaries:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often provide the highest salaries due to the skill level required and upscale clientele.
- Casual and Fast Casual Sushi Bars: While more common, these establishments generally offer moderate wages.
- Hotels and Resorts: Sushi Chefs employed in these settings may command higher pay and additional benefits.
- Catering and Specialty Food Services: Opportunities exist for freelance Sushi Chefs, which can offer variable income depending on contracts.
The type of establishment directly impacts the earning potential, with prestige and customer expectations playing a significant role.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Rancho Cucamonga for Sushi Chefs
Those interested in similar culinary careers may consider roles such as:
This includes careers like Head Chef, Chef, and Commis Chef, which involve related culinary skills and may offer different salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sushi Chefs in Rancho Cucamonga
Sushi Chefs should be aware of federal, state, and local labor laws to ensure fair treatment and proper tax compliance.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor for comprehensive federal labor regulations and workers' rights.
- The California Department of Industrial Relations provides details on state-specific workplace safety, wage laws, and more.
- For local regulations in Rancho Cucamonga, consult the official City of Rancho Cucamonga website.