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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Short Order Cook in California is $30,720 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Short Order Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Short Order Cook Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $33,150 | $2,763 | $638 | $16 |
| Average | $30,720 | $2,560 | $591 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,760 | $2,397 | $553 | $14 |
Ozzie's Grill - Santa Rosa, CA
DRD Enterprises Inc (Drifters Cocktails) - Santa Clarita, CA
Giant Eagle - WASHINGTON, PA
US Foods - IOWA, IA
A Short Order 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Short Order 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Short Order Cook | $30,367 |
| Intermediate Level Short Order Cook | $30,719 |
| Senior Level Short Order Cook | $31,519 |
| Specialist Level Short Order Cook | $31,628 |
| Expert Level Short Order Cook | $31,810 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Short Order Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Short Order Cook salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $34,389. While startup companies pay approximate $29,093.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $29,093 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $30,769 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $33,209 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $34,389 |
For Short Order Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Short Order Cook positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Short Order Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $46,080 | $22.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Short Order 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $33,150 | $2,763 | $638 | $16 |
| Average | $30,720 | $2,560 | $591 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,760 | $2,397 | $553 | $14 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Short Order Cook, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Banquet Chef | $65,200 | 112% |
| Facility Cook/Menu Planner | $41,880 | 36% |
| Senior Line Cook/Prep Cook | $41,880 | 36% |
| Cook's Helper, Senior | $42,700 | 39% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Short Order Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
US Foods
EAST GRAND FORKS, MN
US Foods | EAST GRAND FORKS, MN
As a key team member in our warehouse at US Foods, the Order Picker is integral in ensuring that our wide array of products is efficiently and accurately p... more
7 Days Ago
US Foods
BENSENVILLE, IL
US Foods | BENSENVILLE, IL
As a key team member in our warehouse at US Foods, the Order Picker is integral in ensuring that our wide array of products is efficiently and accurately p... more
8 Days Ago
Marriott
SIERRA, NV
ARAMARK
GREAT FALLS, MT
ARAMARK
BETHANY, WV
ARAMARK
TIGERVILLE, SC
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