Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Merced, CA
Yes, Merced, CA is a highly lucrative market for Chefs and Head Cookss. With an average annual salary of $72,940, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 57.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,640.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Merced, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Merced, CA earns+12.8%above the national average.
$35.1
$1,403
$6,078
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Merced, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 57.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Merced, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.5x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $35,100, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $123,640.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,100 | $16.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $54,705 | $26.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $61,470 | $29.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $91,175 | $43.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $123,640 | $59.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Merced, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $72,940 to $72,940.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.824
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 0.70x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
60 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Merced, CA.
Only 0.824 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,690↓ 13% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,740↓ 13% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,070↓ 12% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $76,710↑ 5% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $79,730↑ 9% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Merced, CA is $72,940. This typically ranges from $35,100 for entry-level positions to $123,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 12.8% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Merced, CA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
Yes, Merced, CA is financially attractive for Chefs and Head Cookss. The average salary of $72,940 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($63,690) and Fresno, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 0.824 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA