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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Cook in California is $35,708 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, an Assistant Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Assistant Cook Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,326 | $3,194 | $737 | $18 |
| Average | $35,708 | $2,976 | $687 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,221 | $2,768 | $639 | $16 |
The Original Las Brisas Restaurant - Los Angeles, CA
OCVIBE - Anaheim, CA
Foster Farms - Compton, CA
Hc - Anaheim, CA
An Assistant 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 an Assistant 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 Assistant Cook | $35,466 |
| Intermediate Level Assistant Cook | $35,536 |
| Senior Level Assistant Cook | $36,441 |
| Specialist Level Assistant Cook | $37,640 |
| Expert Level Assistant Cook | $37,726 |
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 Assistant 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:
For Assistant Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Cook positions in Financial Services or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $46,421 | $22.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $44,635 | $21.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $42,850 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $41,065 | $20.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $39,279 | $19.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Assistant 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 | $38,326 | $3,194 | $737 | $18 |
| Average | $35,708 | $2,976 | $687 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,221 | $2,768 | $639 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
UCLA | Los Angeles, CA
Job Title. UCLA Housing & Hospitality Services (H&HS) is seeking a team member to join their team. At UCLA Housing & Hospitality Services (H&HS), you becom... more
10 Days Ago
TruCare Community
Long Beach, CA
TruCare Community | Long Beach, CA
Assistant Cook for Bay Breeze Care (ARF). Bay Breeze Care is an assisted living facility for the adult community ages (18-59) located in Long Beach, CA. We... more
11 Days Ago
Hope Elementary School District
Santa Barbara, CA
Hope Elementary School District | Santa Barbara, CA
Job Title. Under supervision, assists in the operation of a school cafeteria. assists, prepares and serves foods in a school cafeteria. cleans kitchen equi... more
11 Days Ago
Tree Top
Oxnard, CA
Tree Top | Oxnard, CA
Industrial Assistant Cook - Second Shift. Posted 22-Jul-2026 (PST). 1250 East 3rd Street, Oxnard, CA, USA. 20.68-25.54 per hour. Summary. Under the direct ... more
7 Days Ago
Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified
Firebaugh, CA
Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified | Firebaugh, CA
Assistant Head Cook. GENERAL SUMMARY: Under general supervision, the Assistant Head Cook performs skilled assistance in the preparation and packaging of fo... more
7 Days Ago
Forest Home
Oak View, CA
Forest Home | Oak View, CA
Job Description. Job Description. JOB SUMMARY. To establish positive guest relations through serving guests through excellent kitchen service. ESSENTIAL DU... more
8 Days Ago
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