Line Cook Line Cook Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

Line Cook Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

Updated on May 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Line Cook make in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average salary for a Line Cook is $43,825 per year in Santa Cruz, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $43,825 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $3,652 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $843 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $21 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Line Cook in Santa Cruz, CA, can expect to earn a competitive salary. On average, Line Cooks make about $43,825 each year. This figure can vary based on experience, skills, and the specific restaurant. Some cooks may earn a bit more due to tips, especially in busy restaurants.

Line Cooks often work in a fast-paced environment, preparing meals quickly and efficiently. Their responsibilities can include chopping vegetables, cooking meats, and ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly. With more experience, Line Cooks can increase their earning potential by moving up to higher positions, like Head Cook or Kitchen Manager.

For those considering this career, it’s a great opportunity to get into the food industry. Santa Cruz offers a vibrant culinary scene, providing many chances to learn and grow. It’s a job that combines hard work with creativity, making it rewarding for the right person.

Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
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What are the highest paying cities for a Line Cook near Santa Cruz, CA?

Job seekers seeking Line Cook positions near Santa Cruz, CA, will find some of the best-paying opportunities in Watsonville, CA, where the average salary is $54,085. This location offers competitive wages, making it a top choice for culinary professionals. Another promising area is Los Gatos, CA, with an average salary of $50,469, providing a strong financial incentive for those in the culinary field. Residents will also discover that nearby cities like Palo Alto, CA, and San Jose, CA, offer solid average salaries of $46,169 and $44,716 respectively. These cities, combined with Watsonville and Los Gatos, form a region where Line Cooks can expect both rewarding career prospects and attractive compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Line Cook jobs near Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Watsonville, CA with the highest at $54,085 and Aptos, CA with the lowest at $41,572.

  1. Watsonville, CA
    Average Salary: $54,085
    In Watsonville, kitchen work thrives with fresh ingredients from nearby farms. The city's restaurants depend on cooks who can work fast and keep the quality high. Local spots like Mariscos El Torito offer a chance to cook delicious seafood dishes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Watsonville, CA


  2. Los Gatos, CA
    Average Salary: $50,469
    Los Gatos boasts a vibrant culinary scene with many upscale restaurants. Cooks here often prepare gourmet meals in high-end dining environments. Restaurants such as The Village Pub provide an excellent place to hone your cooking skills and gain valuable experience.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Los Gatos, CA


  3. Pacific Grove, CA
    Average Salary: $47,150
    The laid-back atmosphere of Pacific Grove makes it a great place to work in a kitchen. Local eateries value fresh, local ingredients. Restaurants like The Gull serve up classic dishes, offering cooks the chance to create memorable meals.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Pacific Grove, CA


  4. Scotts Valley, CA
    Average Salary: $47,078
    Scotts Valley offers a mix of casual and upscale dining options. Here, cooks can find jobs that range from family-owned diners to chic restaurants. With a smaller city feel, chefs often get to know their regulars and build lasting relationships.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Scotts Valley, CA


  5. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $46,169
    Palo Alto’s dynamic food scene is known for its innovation. Cooks here often work in tech-driven restaurants that value creativity. Places like Postino brewpub mix tradition with modern flair, making it an exciting place to work.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $44,716
    San Jose’s diverse food culture offers a variety of opportunities for cooks. From Mexican street food to Asian fusion, chefs can find a place that matches their style. Popular spots like La Chatora offer a chance to prepare authentic dishes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Big Sur, CA
    Average Salary: $42,983
    Big Sur’s stunning location makes it a unique place to work in a kitchen. Cooks here enjoy the beauty of nature along with the challenge of creating great meals. Restaurants like Big Sur Pizza Co. provide a chance to cook for both locals and tourists.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Big Sur, CA


  8. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    Average Salary: $42,832
    Carmel-by-the-Sea’s scenic beauty creates a perfect backdrop for kitchen work. Restaurants here focus on fresh, local ingredients. Chefs at places like The Old Fisherman’s Grotto get to cook dishes that highlight the area’s natural bounty.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA


  9. Hollister, CA
    Average Salary: $42,667
    Hollister’s friendly vibe makes it a welcoming place for cooks. The city’s dining scene includes both casual and formal options. Local diners like La Casa de la Taqueria offer a chance to create tasty, traditional dishes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Hollister, CA


  10. Aptos, CA
    Average Salary: $41,572
    Aptos is a great spot for cooks who love a mix of farm-to-table and coastal flavors. Restaurants here often use fresh, local ingredients. At places like The Fish Hut, chefs can prepare delicious seafood dishes while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Aptos, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Line Cook in Santa Cruz, CA?

VIM offers one of the highest salaries for line cooks in Santa Cruz, CA. With an average salary of around $43,333 per year, it provides a competitive edge for those in the culinary field. Verve Coffee Roasters also stands out, offering an average salary of about $38,945, making it another attractive option for aspiring line cooks in the area.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting VIM with the highest at $43,333 and Verve Coffee Roasters with the lowest at $38,945.

  1. VIM
    Average Salary: $43,333
    VIM offers exciting opportunities for Line Cooks in Santa Cruz, CA. Line Cooks at VIM prepare meals to perfection in fast-paced kitchen settings. VIM is located at 1100 Emeline Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Workers enjoy a supportive environment and the chance to grow their culinary skills.


  2. Verve Coffee Roasters
    Average Salary: $38,945
    Verve Coffee Roasters is looking for dedicated Line Cooks in Santa Cruz, CA. Here, Line Cooks are key in creating the coffee shop’s delicious food offerings. Verve Coffee Roasters operates at 1104 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Employees can expect a collaborative work atmosphere with great potential for career development.

Currently 11,965 Line Cook job openings, nationwide.

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How's the job market for a Line Cook in the US?

Learn what a Line Cook does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Line Cook today.
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