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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Modesto, CA

Cooks in Modesto, California, earn an average annual salary of $41,310, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay is often influenced by local economic factors, including the specific demands of the restaurant industry within the Modesto area and the overall cost of doing business for establishments.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,310 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,270.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Cooks in Modesto appears stable, with a total workforce of 1,550 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests that while the concentration of cooks is slightly below the national average, the presence of nearly 8 cooks per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these culinary professionals within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,310

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Modesto, CA earns+9.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.9

Weekly

$794

Monthly

$3,443

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA

Career progression for Cooks in Modesto typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this scaling, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,250$17.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,983$14.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$38,770$18.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$51,638$24.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,270$22.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,310

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,310

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $41,310 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, Cooks in Modesto can expect their earnings to align with the typical cost of living. This means that while the salary is above the national average for the profession, the purchasing power of that salary is on par with the national median.

Job Market Context

1,550

Total Jobs

7.968

Per 1K Jobs

0.85

Location Quotient

Below Average

Modesto, CA has 0.85x 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 0.85 for Cooks in Modesto indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while Modesto has a solid base of restaurant cooks, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Stockton-Lodi, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$40,930↓ 1%29 mi
Merced, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,700↓ 4%37 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$50,190↑ 21%53 mi
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,420↑ 5%69 mi
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,040↑ 4%73 mi

Comparing salaries near Modesto, CA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Modesto, CA is $41,310. This typically ranges from $36,250 for entry-level positions to $47,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 9.6% higher than the national median of $37,700.

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

Yes, with caveats.Modesto offers Cooks an average salary slightly above the national average, with a cost of living that matches the national average, making it a reasonably stable market.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Modesto, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Stockton-Lodi, CA ($40,930) and Merced, CA.

How does the Modesto cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks in Modesto, CA is $41,310, which is $3,610 higher than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Modesto, CA for cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Modesto, CA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is typical for the United States.

How many Cooks are there in Modesto, CA?

There are approximately 1,550 Cooks employed in Modesto, CA, representing about 7.968 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.

Is the job market for Cooks competitive in Modesto, CA?

With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a potentially balanced or slightly favorable job market for cooks.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,550 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 7.968 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 Modesto, CA