Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Merced, CA
Cooks in Merced, California, earn an average annual salary of $39,700, which is slightly above the national average of $37,700. This modest pay differential is influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand for culinary professionals within the Merced area. While the difference may seem small, it reflects the unique labor market dynamics at play.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,430.
- Outlook: Merced's culinary job market shows a stable presence, with approximately 500 individuals employed as Cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.67 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Merced compared to the national average, suggesting a steady but not overwhelmingly saturated demand for restaurant cooks. With 6.287 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Merced, CA earns+5.3%above the national average.
$19.1
$763
$3,308
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Merced is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in the area have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving consumer dining habits likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these essential food service professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
The career path for a Cook, Restaurant in Merced, CA, typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and kitchen managers can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the substantial career progression and earning potential available to those who develop advanced culinary skills and leadership abilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,360 | $16.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,775 | $14.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,740 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,625 | $23.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,430 | $22.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,700 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is slightly higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for relocation.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
6.287
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 0.67x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in Merced, CA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy. Consequently, job seekers may find a balanced competitive landscape, with opportunities available but without the intense competition often seen in more saturated markets.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,310↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,360↓ 1% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,930↑ 3% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $44,600↑ 12% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $50,190↑ 26% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Merced, CA is $39,700. This typically ranges from $34,360 for entry-level positions to $46,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 5.3% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $39,700 is slightly above the national average, the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, offering no substantial increase in purchasing power.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($41,310) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's cook salary compare to California's average?
Specific data for California's average cook salary is not provided, but Merced's $39,700 is generally considered moderate within the state's diverse economic landscape.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks in Merced?
There are approximately 500 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Merced, CA.
Does a higher Location Quotient mean more job opportunities?
A higher Location Quotient typically indicates a greater concentration of a particular job in an area, often correlating with more specialized job opportunities within that sector.
How does the cost of living affect salary expectations in Merced?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Merced's cost of living is average, meaning the $39,700 salary provides average purchasing power compared to the rest of the nation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 6.287 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 Merced, CA