Line Cook Salaries & Top Paying Companies in Santa Cruz, CA

Position

City

Salary

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

The average salary for a Line Cook is $43,673 per year in Santa Cruz, CA.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $43,673 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 $3,639 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 $840 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 earns an average yearly salary of $43,673. This position requires a solid understanding of kitchen operations and the ability to work well under pressure. Many cooks in this role work in busy restaurants, so they must be quick and efficient. Working in Santa Cruz, the cost of living can be high, but many Line Cooks find the work rewarding and the experience valuable.

The salary range for Line Cooks in Santa Cruz, CA, can vary. Some earn as little as $35,500 a year, while others may make up to $54,880. Several factors can affect a Line Cook's salary, including their level of experience and the type of restaurant they work in. An experienced cook working in a high-end restaurant may earn more than someone just starting in the field. Here is a list of salary ranges for different levels of experience:

$35,500 - Entry-level Line Cook
$39,024 - Mid-level Line Cook
$44,309 - Experienced Line Cook
$51,356 - Senior Line Cook
$54,880 - Head Line Cook

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

Job seekers looking for line cook positions around Santa Cruz, CA, should consider nearby cities with higher average salaries. Watsonville offers the highest average salary at $51,390 per year, making it a prime location for those in the culinary field. San Jose, with its average salary of $44,650, also provides competitive pay for line cooks in the area.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Line Cook jobs near Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Watsonville, CA with the highest at $51,390 and Saratoga, CA with the lowest at $41,750.

Watsonville, CA
Average Salary: $51,390
Working in Watsonville means being a key player in a vibrant community. With popular farms around, fresh ingredients flow into local kitchens. The agricultural setting creates a lively kitchen environment.
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Los Gatos, CA
Average Salary: $50,738
Los Gatos offers a dynamic culinary scene. The town's upscale restaurants demand high-quality cooking. Line cooks here enjoy a fast-paced atmosphere, working alongside experienced chefs to create gourmet dishes.
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Pacific Grove, CA
Average Salary: $48,250
In Pacific Grove, line cooks find a mix of coastal charm and culinary excellence. The town’s seafood restaurants offer a unique opportunity to work with fresh, local ingredients. The scenic location adds to the overall experience.
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Scotts Valley, CA
Average Salary: $47,078
Scotts Valley combines a quiet lifestyle with a growing culinary scene. Line cooks here enjoy a slower pace but with high standards. The local eateries value fresh, quality food, making the job both enjoyable and rewarding.
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Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $45,804
Palo Alto’s tech-driven environment offers unique dining experiences. Line cooks in this city work in innovative restaurants, blending technology with food. The area’s diverse population brings a variety of flavors to the kitchen.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $44,650
San Jose’s diverse food scene provides many opportunities for line cooks. From family-owned eateries to trendy restaurants, the city’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving. Line cooks here are part of a vibrant, growing community.
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Big Sur, CA
Average Salary: $42,825
Big Sur offers a serene escape with a small but dynamic food scene. Line cooks here enjoy working in a laid-back environment while using fresh, local ingredients. The stunning views make the job both beautiful and fulfilling.
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Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Average Salary: $42,726
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, line cooks find a picturesque setting with a high demand for quality cuisine. The town’s upscale restaurants require skilled cooks to prepare exquisite dishes. The charming atmosphere adds to the overall experience.
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Hollister, CA
Average Salary: $42,417
Hollister’s laid-back vibe creates a relaxed kitchen environment. Line cooks here enjoy working in a smaller community, where fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are common. The slower pace allows for a focus on quality and detail.
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Saratoga, CA
Average Salary: $41,750
Saratoga offers a mix of small-town charm and culinary opportunities. Line cooks here enjoy a community-focused environment, working in family-owned restaurants. The area’s growing food scene provides a variety of experiences.
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What are the best paying companies for a Line Cook in Santa Cruz, CA?

VIM offers one of the highest paying jobs for line cooks in Santa Cruz, CA. The average salary here is about $43,750. This makes it a good choice for those looking for a stable and well-paying position. Verve Coffee Roasters also pays well for line cooks, with an average salary of around $37,756. Both companies provide good opportunities for those in the culinary field.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting VIM with the highest at $43,750 and Verve Coffee Roasters with the lowest at $37,756.

VIM
Average Salary: $43,750
VIM offers dynamic Line Cook positions in Santa Cruz, CA. The company is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to fresh ingredients. Line cooks at VIM work closely with chefs to ensure the highest quality dishes are served to customers. VIM operates multiple locations around Santa Cruz, providing opportunities for career growth and development.
Verve Coffee Roasters
Average Salary: $37,756
Verve Coffee Roasters provides an exciting environment for Line Cooks in Santa Cruz, CA. The company is renowned for its artisan coffee and unique menu items. Line cooks at Verve Coffee Roasters are integral to the food production process, ensuring timely and delicious meal service. The company has several cafes located throughout Santa Cruz, offering diverse experiences and learning opportunities for aspiring chefs.

What are the best paying Line Cook related jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

If you are a Line Cook in Santa Cruz, CA, consider moving up to a Sous Chef role. This position often pays more and comes with added responsibilities. Sous Chefs help manage kitchen staff and ensure food quality and presentation. A career as a Restaurant Manager also offers higher earnings and leadership opportunities. This role manages the daily operations of a restaurant, ensuring smooth service and customer satisfaction.

Graph displaying best paying related job salaries for Line Cook jobs near Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Sous Chef with the highest at $71,544 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $38,528.

Sous Chef
Average Salary: $71,544
A Sous Chef works closely with the head chef to manage kitchen operations. They oversee daily food preparation, train staff, and maintain high standards of quality. In Santa Cruz, they can find opportunities at local fine dining establishments like Salt Hotel.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $54,544
A Restaurant Manager handles the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. They ensure smooth service, manage staff schedules, and handle customer complaints. Positions in Santa Cruz often include working with popular spots like The Lumberyard Restaurant & Brewing Company.
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Restaurant Crew
Average Salary: $41,750
Restaurant Crew members support various kitchen tasks, including food preparation and serving. They work in fast-paced environments and often gain experience in multiple roles. In Santa Cruz, crew positions can be found at well-known restaurants such as Wildfish Seafood Grille.
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Baker
Average Salary: $41,112
A Baker specializes in creating a variety of baked goods. They follow recipes to produce bread, pastries, and desserts. In Santa Cruz, bakers might find work at local bakeries like Amy’s Baking Company, where they can craft delicious items daily.
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Dietary Cook
Average Salary: $39,500
A Dietary Cook prepares meals for specific dietary needs. They work in healthcare facilities or catering services to ensure patients receive appropriate nutrition. In Santa Cruz, opportunities include positions at local hospitals and care homes.
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Sandwich Artist
Average Salary: $38,750
A Sandwich Artist focuses on creating unique and delicious sandwiches. They use various ingredients and techniques to delight customers. In Santa Cruz, roles can be found at sandwich shops like Firehouse Subs, where creativity is key.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $38,528
A Dishwasher cleans dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work behind the scenes to keep the kitchen running smoothly. In Santa Cruz, dishwashers can find jobs at casual dining places like Old Fisherman’s Grotto, ensuring everything is spotless.
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Line Cook Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

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

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

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

Currently 15,838 Line Cook job openings, nationwide.

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

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