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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cook in California is $51,960 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cook Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $58,565 | $4,880 | $1,126 | $28 |
| Average | $51,960 | $4,330 | $999 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,909 | $3,909 | $902 | $23 |
A 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 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 Cook | $41,527 |
| Intermediate Level Cook | $41,853 |
| Senior Level Cook | $42,506 |
| Specialist Level Cook | $43,478 |
| Expert Level Cook | $44,803 |
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 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 Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cook positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $67,548 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $64,950 | $31.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $62,352 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $59,754 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $57,156 | $27.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a 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 | $58,565 | $4,880 | $1,126 | $28 |
| Average | $51,960 | $4,330 | $999 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,909 | $3,909 | $902 | $23 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
IHOP
San Jose, CA
Troon
San Pedro, CA
Denny's
North Hollywood, CA
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Rialto, CA
PACS
Yuba City, CA
TradeJobsWorkforce
Bakersfield, CA
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