El Pollo Loco Salary

El Pollo Loco Salary

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As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at El Pollo Loco in the United States is $103,711. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $50. Salaries at El Pollo Loco typically range from $91,210 to $117,590 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does El Pollo Loco Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at El Pollo Loco. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the El Pollo Loco - Dishwasher / Prep, with an annual salary of $286,483. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Assistant Manager

$73,482 / year

Salary Range: $63,682 - $85,889

Retail

Asst. Manager

$106,031 / year

Salary Range: $90,094 - $114,309

Restaurant Management

Cashier

$34,879 / year

Salary Range: $31,556 - $38,763

Food and Beverage

Cashier for Carmel Mountain Rd Location

$39,218 / year

Salary Range: $35,110 - $44,138

Sales

Cashier For Scripps Poway Pkwy Location

$48,095 / year

Salary Range: $42,473 - $54,122

Sales

Cashier for w. valley location

$40,535 / year

Salary Range: $36,195 - $46,118

Sales

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at El Pollo Loco.
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Job Title Location Release Date

About El Pollo Loco: Company Profile

Website
www.elpolloloco.com
Founded In
1980
Employees
3,000 - 7,500 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Location
COSTA MESA
Revenue
$200 Million - $500 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About EL POLLO LOCO
El Pollo Loco owns, operates and franchises a chain of Mexican-style restaurants offering grilled chicken, burritos, tacos, salad and beverages.

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into El Pollo Loco's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
It was a generous acknowledgment of our hard work and the company's success. It’s a great motivator and makes you feel like a valued part of the team. Flexible schedules and hybrid working options promote work-life balance. We often have informal get-togethers and team lunches, fostering a friendly atmosphere.
Commented in February 18, 2025
11
1
The company has strong financial stability, which provides a great sense of job security. The work is meaningful, and employees feel aligned with the company’s vision and purpose. Training is available but mostly self-directed. Will continue partnering with them for future needs!. There's a strong sense of integrity in all our dealings, which I highly respect. From parental leave to understanding ...
Commented in February 01, 2025
33
1
This is a well-run organization where structure and flexibility coexist. Fair pricing, average delivery. Managers are approachable, but initiatives often.
Commented in November 07, 2024
17
2
Management communicates organizational changes, though sometimes with delays. The diversity and inclusion initiatives are more than just talk; they're put into practice. Decent service overall. I’ve found the company to be well-organized with a strong focus on clear communication. There's a healthy mix of routine and challenge.
Commented in July 25, 2024
46
3
Employees have access to excellent learning opportunities and support systems. A truly professional operation from start to finish. Team collaboration is emphasized, and there's a great mix of autonomy and support.
Commented in March 31, 2024
32
3

How El Pollo Loco's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

The data below provides a snapshot of what comparable firms are paying, offering crucial context for evaluating El Pollo Loco’s pay competitiveness. Click on a company for a deeper dive.

Is El Pollo Loco’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does El Pollo Loco's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
S.E.S.A. FLEET SERVICES LLC $65,572
-36.8%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
E A ARMSTRONG AGENCY INC $86,136
-16.9%
E A ARMSTRONG AGENCY INC may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
E&A AUTO REPAIR $83,678
-19.3%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where E&A AUTO REPAIR primarily operates.
S.E.A TECH, LLC $82,123
-20.8%
S.E.A TECH, LLC focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+16.6%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Costa Mesa?

Understanding the cost of living near Costa Mesa is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at El Pollo Loco.
Costa Mesa's Cost of Living Index is approximately 175.9 (75.9% more expensive than US average; 25.8% more than CA average). Orange County city near coast, South Coast Plaza, very high housing costs. When planning your budget based on a salary from El Pollo Loco, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,500 - $3,700+ A significant portion of El Pollo Loco salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $270 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $69 (OCTA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $480 - $710 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $900+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $410 - $780+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $4,119 - $6,369+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About El Pollo Loco

FAQ 1: What is the average salary for employees at El Pollo Loco?
The average annual total compensation for employees at El Pollo Loco is approximately $103,711. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $91,210 to $117,590, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does El Pollo Loco pay compared to S.E.S.A. FLEET SERVICES LLC?
The average annual salary at El Pollo Loco is $103,711, or an hourly wage of $50, in comparison to S.E.S.A. FLEET SERVICES LLC which pays $65,571 per year or $32 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at El Pollo Loco?
Professional certifications like PMP (for Project Managers), CPA (for Accountants), or another relevant certification for the industry can often lead to higher salaries and better job prospects at El Pollo Loco for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.
FAQ 4: Does El Pollo Loco offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Costa Mesa?
While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially El Pollo Loco, incorporate cost of living considerations into their overall salary structure for different locations rather than as a separate, itemized adjustment. This means their base pay bands for roles in high-cost cities like New York City are generally set higher to account for these local market factors.
FAQ 5: What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at El Pollo Loco?
Most companies, likely including El Pollo Loco, conduct formal salary reviews annually, often tied to performance evaluations. During these reviews, factors like individual performance, meeting goals, company performance, and market adjustments are typically considered for potential salary increases.

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