Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,430 | $17.52 |
| 25th percentile | $38,160 | $18.35 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,290 | $21.30 |
| 75th percentile | $46,960 | $22.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| Mean (average) | $44,240 | $21.27 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $44,290 | — |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +4% |
| District of Columbia | $45,230 | +2% |
| Washington | $44,980 | +2% |
| Maine | $44,870 | +1% |
| Hawaii | $44,710 | +1% |
| Vermont | $44,560 | +1% |
| New York | $39,890 | -10% |
| Colorado | $39,170 | -12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $44,280 | 13,450 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $44,310 | 21,220 |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers | $44,340 | 103,570 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $44,370 | 35,220 |
| Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | $44,120 | 108,950 |
| Couriers and Messengers | $44,600 | 8,970 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Restaurant salary in California?
The mean cooks, restaurant salary in California is $44,240 per year. The median (middle) salary is $44,290 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in California?
Entry-level cooks, restaurants (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $36,430 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $38,160 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Restaurant salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $54,690 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $46,960 per year.
How does the California Cooks, Restaurant salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, restaurant salary in California is $44,290, which is +20% above national average of $36,830.
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