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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA

Chefs and Head Cooks in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area earn an average annual salary of $68,530, which is notably higher than the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation reflects the specific economic dynamics and demand for culinary expertise within this vibrant metropolitan region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $68,530 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,380.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,240 Chefs and Head Cooks and a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA, indicates a stable and robust demand for these professionals. The concentration is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a healthy, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of this vital culinary role.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$68,530

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA earns+6.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33

Weekly

$1,318

Monthly

$5,711

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary training, management skills, and a proven track record can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary data clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one advances from junior roles to senior leadership positions.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$46,990$22.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$51,398$24.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$63,930$30.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$85,663$41.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$97,380$46.8

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$68,530

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,530

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $68,530 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where earnings effectively meet living expenses.

Job Market Context

1,240

Total Jobs

1.166

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA has 0.99x 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 0.99 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA, signifies that the concentration of these professionals in the region is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where opportunities are readily available without being overly saturated, offering a balanced landscape for both employers and job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

Comparing salaries near Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA is $68,530. This typically ranges from $46,990 for entry-level positions to $97,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA is 6.0% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, it is a financially competitive place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $68,530 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, providing strong purchasing power.

Is Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Yuba City, CA ($61,320) and Stockton-Lodi, CA.

How does the Sacramento culinary job market compare to the national average in terms of job density?

The Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area has 1.166 jobs per 1,000 workers for Chefs and Head Cooks, which is very close to the national average, indicating a similar level of job availability relative to the overall workforce.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Sacramento area?

There are approximately 1,240 Chefs and Head Cooks employed within the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metropolitan area.

Does the cost of living in Sacramento affect the perceived value of the chef salary?

No, the cost of living in Sacramento is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the average salary of $68,530 has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.

How does the concentration of chefs in Sacramento compare to other regions?

With a Location Quotient of 0.99, Sacramento has a concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks that is virtually identical to the national average, suggesting a balanced market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area with a job density of 1.166 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.