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Entry Level Line Cook Salary in California

How much does an Entry Level Line Cook make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Line Cook in California is $43,827 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, an Entry Level Line Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $56,405
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,784 to $50,411
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,103
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Entry Level Line Cook Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Entry Level Line Cook Salaries

An Entry Level Line Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Level Line Cook Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Line Cook's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $42,455
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $48,291
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $58,816
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $71,135
  • Expert (over 8 years): $70,936
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Line Cook less than 1 year $42,455
Contact Center Representative II - Outbound 1-2 years $48,291
Contact Center Representative III - Outbound 2-4 years $58,816
Contact Center Representative IV - Outbound 5-8 years $71,135
Outbound Contact Center Supervisor over 8 years $70,936

How Do Entry Level Line Cook Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Level Line Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $43,993.
  • California: $43,827.
  • Massachusetts: $43,243.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Level Line Cook

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $43,902
  • West Hollywood: $43,870
  • Dodgertown: $43,902

Entry Level Line Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Level Line Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Line Cook positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Line Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Level Line Cook

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $48,209 $23.0 10%
Biotechnology $48,209 $23.0 10%
Business Services $48,209 $23.0 10%
Chemicals $48,209 $23.0 10%
Construction $48,209 $23.0 10%

Entry Level Line Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Level Line Cook's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$39,784
Average $43,827/year
$50,411
$3,315
Average $3,652/month
$4,201
$765
Average $843/week
$969
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,411 $4,201 $969 $24
Average $43,827 $3,652 $843 $21
25th Percentile $39,784 $3,315 $765 $19

Find Your Next Entry Level Line Cook Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Line Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Hilton Hotels | San Jose, CA

    Cook III Prep Entry Level Cook

    Hilton Hotels | San Jose, CA

    Hilton Hotels - - Responsibilities: Prepare high-quality dishes according to recipes. Prepare guest orders efficiently with a positive dining experience. M... more

    11 Days Ago

  • Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort | Carlsbad, CA

    Chandlers Line Cook II

    Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort | Carlsbad, CA

    Entry-Level Line Cook. Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa, nestled along the stunning coastline of Carlsbad, California, is looking for talente... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Davidson Hospitality Group | Carlsbad, CA

    Chandlers Line Cook II

    Davidson Hospitality Group | Carlsbad, CA

    Entry-Level Line Cook. Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, y... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Marriott Hotels | Indian Wells, CA

    Cook

    Marriott Hotels | Indian Wells, CA

    Marriott Hotels - 44400 Indian Wells Lane - Responsibilities: Prepare ingredients and portion foods. Operate kitchen equipment. Monitor food quality and co... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Arey Jones Educational Solutions | Maywood, CA

    Computer Production Line

    Arey Jones Educational Solutions | Maywood, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Progressive IT Firm in Maywood seeks Computer Configuration Technician for an entry level position. Must be experienced w... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Omark Consultants Inc | SALEM, NH

    Entry Level Gas Line Safety Technician

    Omark Consultants Inc | SALEM, NH

    Title. Entry Level Gas Line Safety Technician. Description. Gas Line Safety Technician Job Description. Do you want to play a crucial role in keeping commu... more

    22 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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