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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in El Centro, CA

Cooks in El Centro, California, earn an average annual salary of $40,680, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This localized pay differential is often influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within the El Centro region, reflecting the unique labor market dynamics for restaurant professionals in this area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,400.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Cooks, Restaurant, El Centro presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 0.59 suggests that while the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, there is still a consistent presence and demand for culinary talent within the community, indicating a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,680

The average Cooks, Restaurant in El Centro, CA earns+7.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.6

Weekly

$782

Monthly

$3,390

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in El Centro, CA

Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant, in El Centro typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range can expand significantly, with experienced chefs and head cooks commanding higher compensation than those just starting out, reflecting a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,100$16.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,510$14.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$38,230$18.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$50,850$24.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,400$22.3

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,680 in El Centro aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in El Centro is equivalent to the national average, offering stable financial footing without the added pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

350

Total Jobs

5.559

Per 1K Jobs

0.59

Location Quotient

Below Average

El Centro, CA has 0.59x 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.

The location quotient of 0.59 indicates that El Centro has a lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant, jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry in the area, potentially leading to less competition for available positions but also fewer specialized opportunities compared to more concentrated markets.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Yuma, AZ Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,530↓ 13%60 mi
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,990↑ 8%91 mi

Comparing salaries near El Centro, CA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in El Centro, CA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in El Centro, CA is $40,680. This typically ranges from $35,100 for entry-level positions to $46,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in El Centro, CA is 7.9% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is El Centro, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, El Centro offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.Cooks in El Centro earn approximately $3,000 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the nominal salary quite competitive.

Is El Centro, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in El Centro, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near El Centro, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Yuma, AZ ($35,530) and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA.

How does the El Centro salary compare to the national average for Cooks?

The average annual salary for Cooks in El Centro, CA is $40,680, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.

What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in El Centro?

El Centro has a location quotient of 0.59 for Cooks, Restaurant, meaning the concentration of these jobs is below the national average.

Does the cost of living in El Centro affect the salary competitiveness?

No, El Centro's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $40,680 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Cooks, Restaurant work in El Centro?

There are approximately 350 Cooks, Restaurant employed in El Centro, CA, representing 5.559 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the El Centro, CA area with a job density of 5.559 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in El Centro, CA