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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $51,710, significantly outpacing the national average of $38,130. This substantial difference is largely driven by the region's high demand for skilled culinary professionals and the overall economic landscape that supports higher compensation for essential service roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,710 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,800.
  • Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 4,040 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 0.58, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of jobs is considerable, the relative demand might be less intense compared to other sectors. However, the presence of nearly 4,000 workers indicates a stable and established job market for this profession within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,710

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+35.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.9

Weekly

$994

Monthly

$4,309

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder, rewarding dedication, skill development, and increased responsibility within institutional and cafeteria settings.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$39,520$19
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$38,783$18.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$47,920$23
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$64,638$31.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$62,800$30.2

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,710

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,710

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $51,710 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average when factoring in local expenses. Therefore, the higher pay is necessary to maintain a comparable standard of living in this high-cost metropolitan area.

Job Market Context

4,040

Total Jobs

1.681

Per 1K Jobs

0.58

Location Quotient

Below Average

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.58x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 0.58 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the region compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market is not saturated with this specific type of culinary worker relative to the overall employment landscape. Employers may need to actively recruit or offer competitive wages to attract talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $51,710. This typically ranges from $39,520 for entry-level positions to $62,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 35.6% higher than the national median of $38,130.

Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, but with caveats.The average salary of $51,710 is significantly higher than the national average, offering strong nominal earnings. However, the cost of living being at the national average means this higher salary is necessary to maintain a comparable lifestyle.

Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($48,130) and Napa, CA.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 1.681 jobs per 1,000 workers, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area has a slightly lower concentration of Cook, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national average, which would be 1.681 if the Location Quotient were 1.0.

What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?

There are approximately 4,040 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area.

Does experience significantly impact salary for this role?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior cooks with specialized skills and extensive experience can command higher salaries, moving into the upper salary percentiles.

How does the Location Quotient affect job prospects?

A Location Quotient of 0.58 suggests that while jobs exist, they are less concentrated than the national average. This might mean less competition for highly skilled individuals but potentially fewer overall openings compared to more concentrated areas.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,040 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 1.681 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.