Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $45,500 | $21.88 |
| 25th percentile | $55,420 | $26.65 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $66,780 | $32.11 |
| 75th percentile | $80,250 | $38.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,580 | $48.36 |
| Mean (average) | $71,350 | $34.30 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $66,780 | — |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +22% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +19% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +15% |
| District of Columbia | $74,000 | +11% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | +7% |
| Washington | $69,800 | +5% |
| New Jersey | $69,660 | +4% |
| Delaware | $65,290 | -2% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $66,990 | 17,800 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $66,420 | 3,480 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $66,120 | 3,730 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $66,010 | 7,390 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $65,880 | 27,350 |
| Glaziers | $65,850 | 7,880 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in California?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in California is $71,350 per year. The median (middle) salary is $66,780 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in California?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $45,500 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $55,420 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $100,580 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $80,250 per year.
How does the California Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in California is $66,780, which is +9% above national average of $60,990.
Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release.
All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education,
employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes