Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Chico, CA
Cooks in Chico, California earn an average annual salary of $39,790, slightly exceeding the national average of $37,700. This localized pay rate reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within the Chico area, influenced by factors such as the local cost of goods, services, and the overall restaurant industry landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,300.
- Outlook: Chico, CA supports a local workforce of 670 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent within the city's dining establishments.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Chico, CA earns+5.5%above the national average.
$19.1
$765
$3,316
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chico's cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive salary increases across most industries, including the restaurant sector, suggesting that cooks in Chico have likely seen modest wage growth over time.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Chico, CA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Chico, CA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the significant career advancement opportunities available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,450 | $17 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,843 | $14.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,020 | $18.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,738 | $23.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,300 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,790 in Chico, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Chico is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers typical living expenses without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
670
Total Jobs
8.609
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Chico, CA has 0.91x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.91 for Cooks, Restaurant in Chico, CA, signifies that the concentration of these jobs in the area is slightly below the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Yuba City, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,440↑ 2% | 44 mi |
| Redding, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,870↑ 0% | 63 mi |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,420↑ 9% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chico, CA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Chico, CA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Chico, CA is $39,790. This typically ranges from $35,450 for entry-level positions to $45,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chico, CA is 5.5% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Chico, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it is a stable place for Cooks, Restaurants.Chico, CA offers an average salary slightly above the national average and a Cost of Living Index that matches it, providing stable earning potential for cooks.
Is Chico, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Chico, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chico, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Yuba City, CA ($40,440) and Redding, CA.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Chico, CA?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Chico, CA is $39,790.
How does Chico's Cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Chico, CA earn an average of $39,790 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Chico, CA?
Chico, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the Cook job market in Chico, CA?
The job market for Cooks in Chico, CA has a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Chico, CA area with a job density of 8.609 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chico, CA