Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Modesto, CA
In Modesto, California, Chefs and Head Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $63,690. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, indicating a nuanced compensation landscape in the region. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Modesto's culinary sector likely contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 Chefs and Head Cooks, Modesto presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for these culinary professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests that the concentration of these roles in Modesto is just under the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with the general employment trends in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Modesto, CA earns-1.5%below the national average.
$30.6
$1,225
$5,308
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Modesto's Chefs and Head Cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries in this field have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled culinary talent, and evolving dining trends typically drive upward salary adjustments in the food service industry.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA
The career trajectory for Chefs and Head Cooks in Modesto, CA, typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles of salaries often signifies the opportunities for advancement and the earning potential as one moves up the culinary hierarchy.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $37,690 | $18.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $47,768 | $23 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $63,760 | $30.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $79,613 | $38.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $84,270 | $40.5 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $63,690 in Modesto, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef or Head Cook's salary in Modesto is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment where earnings effectively cover typical living expenses.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.019
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Modesto, CA has 0.86x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.86 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Modesto indicates that the proportion of these professionals in the local workforce is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,070↑ 1% | 29 mi |
| Merced, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $72,940↑ 15% | 37 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $79,730↑ 25% | 53 mi |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $68,530↑ 8% | 69 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,030↑ 5% | 73 mi |
Comparing salaries near Modesto, CA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Modesto, CA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Modesto, CA is $63,690. This typically ranges from $37,690 for entry-level positions to $84,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 1.5% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Modesto, CA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Modesto, CA offers a salary comparable to the national average for Chefs and Head Cooks.While the average salary of $63,690 is slightly below the national average, the local Cost of Living Index of 100 means that earnings have equivalent purchasing power to the national standard.
Is Modesto, CA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Modesto, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Modesto, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Stockton-Lodi, CA ($64,070) and Merced, CA.
How does Modesto's salary for Chefs and Head Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Modesto, CA is $63,690, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.
What is the Cost of Living in Modesto, CA for culinary professionals?
Modesto, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is on par with the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Modesto?
The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests that the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Modesto is slightly below the national average, implying a moderately competitive job market.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Modesto, CA?
There are approximately 200 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Modesto, CA, representing 1.019 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 1.019 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 Modesto, CA