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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Fresno, CA

Cooks in Fresno, California, earn an average annual salary of $39,360, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This localized pay differential is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the local culinary scene, and the overall cost of doing business within Fresno.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,360 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,800.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,910 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.66, Fresno presents a moderately concentrated job market for this profession. While not exceeding the national average concentration, the substantial number of individuals employed suggests a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,360

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Fresno, CA earns+4.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.9

Weekly

$757

Monthly

$3,280

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Fresno, CA

The salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Fresno, CA, naturally scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,070$16.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,520$14.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,630$18.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$49,200$23.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,800$22

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,360

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,360

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,360 in Fresno aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Fresno is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively balances out the local cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

2,910

Total Jobs

6.195

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

Fresno, CA has 0.66x 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 0.66 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Fresno is below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and employed, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Hanford-Corcoran, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,860↑ 1%32 mi
Visalia, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,600↑ 1%41 mi
North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,770↑ 9%46 mi
North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,740↑ 9%46 mi
Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,250↑ 10%46 mi

Comparing salaries near Fresno, CA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Fresno, CA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Fresno, CA is $39,360. This typically ranges from $34,070 for entry-level positions to $45,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fresno, CA is 4.4% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Fresno, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with caveats.Cooks in Fresno earn slightly above the national average salary. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, the nominal salary offers comparable purchasing power to other regions.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Fresno, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($39,860) and Visalia, CA.

What is the average hourly wage for a Cook, Restaurant in Fresno, CA?

Based on the average annual salary of $39,360, the estimated average hourly wage for a Cook, Restaurant in Fresno, CA, is approximately $18.92, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.

How does the number of Cooks in Fresno compare to the national average?

Fresno has 6.195 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which is lower than the national average concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.66.

Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Fresno?

With a total local workforce of 2,910 Cooks, Restaurant, there is a significant presence of this role in Fresno, indicating a steady demand for culinary professionals within the city's economy.

Does the Cost of Living in Fresno affect the Cook salary?

The Cost of Living Index in Fresno is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the average salary of $39,360 provides a purchasing power equivalent to 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 2,910 employees in the Fresno, CA area with a job density of 6.195 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 Fresno, CA