Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in California
In California, chefs and head cooks earn a median of $66,780 per year.
Median (California)
$66,780
Bottom 10%
$45,500
Top 10%
$100,580
Employed in California
26,500
How California compares
Refit analysis ·In California, chefs and head cooks earn a median of $66,780 — 9% above the national median of $60,990. Locally the range runs $45,500 to $100,580. About 26,500 people hold this role in the state.
Refit analysis ·California ranks #8 of 54 states for chefs and head cooks pay — roughly the 87th percentile among states. That trails the top-paying state (Hawaii, $81,200) by 22%. State employment of about 26,500 also shapes how competitive local openings are.
National benchmark
US median
$60,990
US bottom 10%
$36,000
US top 10%
$96,030
Skills that move pay in this role
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
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