How much does a Kitchen Team Member make in Costa Mesa, CA?
Job seekers in Costa Mesa, CA, looking to join the kitchen team at a local restaurant can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $40,269. This figure is influenced by a variety of factors, including experience, the type of establishment, and specific job duties. For those new to the field, starting salaries are generally lower, but there is significant potential for growth as experience accumulates.
To break it down further, the salary range for Kitchen Team Members in Costa Mesa varies. Here are some typical annual salaries based on experience:
- Entry-level: $34,500
- Intermediate: $37,013
- Experienced: $40,782
- Senior: $43,295
- Top earners: $48,320
What are the highest paying cities for a Kitchen Team Member near Costa Mesa, CA?

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Costa Mesa, CA
Average Salary: $40,360
Working in Costa Mesa offers a vibrant culinary scene. With numerous restaurants and cafes, you will gain diverse experience. Companies like Panera Bread and In-N-Out are prominent here.
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San Juan Capistrano, CA
Average Salary: $39,969
San Juan Capistrano provides a relaxed yet bustling kitchen environment. This city is known for its unique dining spots. Establishments like The Westin and Rancho San Juan offer great opportunities.
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Fullerton, CA
Average Salary: $39,637
Fullerton’s kitchen positions are in high demand. The city’s growing food industry offers many options. Local favorites include The Cheesecake Factory and Panda Express.
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Seal Beach, CA
Average Salary: $39,435
Seal Beach features a thriving dining culture. This city’s kitchens are dynamic and busy. Restaurants like The Habit Burger Grill and The Cheesecake Factory are key employers.
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Santa Ana, CA
Average Salary: $39,378
Santa Ana's kitchen roles are abundant. The city offers a variety of dining experiences. Employers such as Jack in the Box and Chipotle are popular choices.
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Buena Park, CA
Average Salary: $39,256
In Buena Park, kitchen jobs are plentiful. The city’s restaurants create a lively kitchen atmosphere. Notable employers include In-N-Out Burger and Panda Express.
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Garden Grove, CA
Average Salary: $39,010
Garden Grove presents a vibrant culinary landscape. Working in the kitchens here is fast-paced. Companies such as The Cheesecake Factory and In-N-Out Burger are well-known.
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Fountain Valley, CA
Average Salary: $38,737
Fountain Valley offers a busy kitchen scene. The city’s dining industry provides many opportunities. Local favorites include Panera Bread and In-N-Out Burger.
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Huntington Beach, CA
Average Salary: $38,622
Huntington Beach has a dynamic kitchen environment. The city’s restaurants create a busy work setting. Employers like Chipotle and The Cheesecake Factory are prominent.
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Lake Forest, CA
Average Salary: $38,434
Lake Forest’s kitchen roles are in demand. The city’s dining scene is thriving. Companies such as The Cheesecake Factory and In-N-Out Burger offer excellent opportunities.
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What are the best paying companies for a Kitchen Team Member in Costa Mesa, CA?

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Chick-fil-A Restaurants
Average Salary: $45,214
Chick-fil-A Restaurants offers competitive pay for Kitchen Team Members in Costa Mesa, CA. Employees enjoy a dynamic work environment, often with room for advancement. Chick-fil-A Restaurants operates across the country, focusing on quality and customer service.
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Rubio's Coastal Grill
Average Salary: $40,500
Rubio's Coastal Grill provides a solid salary for Kitchen Team Members in Costa Mesa, CA. This company offers a fun and fast-paced atmosphere. It’s a great place for those looking to grow and learn in a team-oriented setting. Rubio's Coastal Grill has locations along the West Coast.
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Buffalo Wild Wings
Average Salary: $38,410
Buffalo Wild Wings pays its Kitchen Team Members around $38,410 annually in Costa Mesa, CA. The company values teamwork and offers opportunities for personal growth. Buffalo Wild Wings has many locations across the United States, providing plenty of career options.
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Just Food For Dogs
Average Salary: $36,900
Just Food For Dogs offers Kitchen Team Members a salary of about $36,900 in Costa Mesa, CA. This company focuses on healthy, high-quality meals for dogs. Employees here appreciate the supportive and innovative environment. Just Food For Dogs operates several locations in California.
What are the best paying Kitchen Team Member related jobs in Costa Mesa, CA?

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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $80,166
Kitchen managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant’s kitchen. They ensure smooth functioning and coordinate with the staff. This role often works with notable local businesses like Blue Plate Café.
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Sous Chef
Average Salary: $76,189
A sous chef assists the head chef in managing the kitchen staff. They handle day-to-day tasks and ensure the kitchen runs efficiently. Many fine dining establishments in Costa Mesa, such as The Tasting Kitchen, look for skilled sous chefs.
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Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $62,039
Delivery drivers transport food from restaurants to customers. They must have good time management and navigation skills. Companies like Uber Eats and DoorDash offer this job locally.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $47,000
Food service aides help with preparing and serving food. They work in various settings, such as cafes and diners. Local spots like The Strand benefit from their assistance.
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Nutrition Assistant
Average Salary: $44,637
Nutrition assistants work with dietitians to help plan meals. They often assist in healthcare facilities or community programs. Local clinics, such as the Costa Mesa Wellness Center, need these professionals.
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Caterer
Average Salary: $44,529
Caterers prepare and deliver food for events. They must handle many tasks at once and work well under pressure. Companies like Costa Mesa Catering often hire caterers.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $41,992
Service team members greet customers and ensure their needs are met. They often work in fast-paced environments. Local restaurants, such as The Breakfast Club, look for these team players.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $40,347
Line cooks prepare food quickly and efficiently. They work in busy kitchens and need to follow recipes precisely. Many local eateries, such as The Griddle Cafe, need skilled line cooks.
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Pastry Chef
Average Salary: $40,143
Pastry chefs create desserts and baked goods. They need a creative mind and attention to detail. Boutique bakeries like Sweet Tooth Bake Shop hire pastry chefs.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $37,995
Dishwashers clean dishes and kitchen tools. They work behind the scenes but are essential for a clean kitchen. Restaurants like The Fish Market need reliable dishwashers.
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