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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Chef in California is $42,461 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Restaurant Chef's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Restaurant Chef Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $45,377 | $3,781 | $873 | $22 |
| Average | $42,461 | $3,538 | $817 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,462 | $3,205 | $740 | $18 |
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A Restaurant Chef'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.
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 Restaurant Cheves. 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 Restaurant Chef roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Restaurant Chef positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Restaurant Chef as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $53,076 | $26.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $50,953 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $50,953 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $50,953 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $46,707 | $22.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Restaurant Chef'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 | $45,377 | $3,781 | $873 | $22 |
| Average | $42,461 | $3,538 | $817 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,462 | $3,205 | $740 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Restaurant Chef job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
HHB Restaurant Recruiting
Brea, CA
HHB Restaurant Recruiting | Brea, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Are you a hardworking, service-minded leader with a real passion for the hospitality industry. Are you looking to take a ... more
8 Days Ago
Parker Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA
Parker Palm Springs | Palm Springs, CA
Kitchen Manager. Assists in the overall management of kitchen. Oversees the production of 5 star quality food for all the outlets in our estate. Supervises... more
6 Days Ago
Delaware North
Costa Mesa, CA
Delaware North | Costa Mesa, CA
Delaware North - - Responsibilities: Hire, train, and mobilize kitchen and service teams. Develop and maintain recipes, portion specifications, and standar... more
8 Days Ago
Gecko Hospitality
San Francisco, CA
Gecko Hospitality | San Francisco, CA
Gecko Hospitality - - Responsibilities: Lead daily kitchen operations and supervise line cooks during service. Maintain consistent food quality, portion co... more
5 Days Ago
HHB Restaurant Recruiting
Dublin, CA
HHB Restaurant Recruiting | Dublin, CA
Restaurant Sous Chef. Are you a hardworking, service-minded leader with a real passion for the hospitality industry. Are you looking to take a step towards... more
9 Days Ago
Urban Plates
Davis, CA
Urban Plates | Davis, CA
Urban Plates - 3101 Fulling Mill Rd - Responsibilities: Manage kitchen operations and food quality. Lead BOH team development. Oversee inventory and cost c... more
8 Days Ago
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