California ranks 8th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, short order pay, trailing top-paying Arizona ($46,240) by $7,230 — a 19% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $35,020 to $47,310 — a $12,290 spread, 45% tighter than the national $22,240 range.
Cooks, Short Order are more concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.96 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.96× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $35,020 | $16.84 |
| 25th percentile | $36,370 | $17.49 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $39,010 | $18.75 |
| 75th percentile | $44,270 | $21.28 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,310 | $22.74 |
| Mean (average) | $41,040 | $19.73 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $39,010 | n/a |
| Arizona | $46,240 | +19% |
| Washington | $46,010 | +18% |
| Massachusetts | $44,770 | +15% |
| Colorado | $44,090 | +13% |
| Hawaii | $41,100 | +5% |
| Alaska | $39,940 | +2% |
| Vermont | $39,140 | +0% |
| Nevada | $38,970 | +0% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| School Bus Monitors | $39,190 | 1,480 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $39,200 | 27,500 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | $38,660 | 6,830 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,370 | 21,510 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $38,640 | 237,680 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $39,430 | 37,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Short Order salary in California?
The mean cooks, short order salary in California is $41,040 per year. The median (middle) salary is $39,010 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Short Order in California?
Entry-level cooks, short orders (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $35,020 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $36,370 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Short Order salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $47,310 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $44,270 per year.
How does the California Cooks, Short Order salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, short order salary in California is $39,010, which is +10% above national average of $35,620.