Cooks (Restaurant) Salary in California
Cooks (Restaurant) in California earn a median of $44,880 a year, +20% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $44,880
- vs. U.S. median
- +20% ($37,390)
- Rank among states
- 7 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 152,250
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $37,100; the top 10% earn over $55,580. Nationally the range is $28,700 to $47,900.
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Cooks (Restaurant) pay in California
How much do cooks (restaurant) make in California?
The median is $44,880 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $37,100 and the top 10% earn over $55,580. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for cooks (restaurant)?
On pay alone it ranks 7 of 51 (+20% vs. the national median of $37,390). Living costs are not included.