Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $67,030. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.32x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,290.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+3.6%above the national average.
$32.2
$1,289
$5,586
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have shown healthy growth of 17.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $43,470, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $93,290.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $43,470 | $20.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $50,273 | $24.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $64,560 | $31 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $83,788 | $40.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $93,290 | $44.9 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $67,030 to $67,030.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
1.556
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
150 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
1.556 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $79,730↑ 19% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $76,710↑ 14% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $75,650↑ 13% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,690↓ 5% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $66,750↓ 0% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $67,030. This typically ranges from $43,470 for entry-level positions to $93,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 3.6% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is an excellent location for Chefs and Head Cookss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($67,030) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,730) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 1.556 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA