Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Cooks in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an average annual salary of $47,580, significantly higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay is largely driven by the region's dynamic culinary scene and the higher cost of operating businesses in a major metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,300.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 22,290 Cooks, Restaurant professionals, and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, indicates a demand that closely mirrors the national average. This suggests a stable and consistent employment landscape for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+26.2%above the national average.
$22.9
$915
$3,965
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in a major metropolitan area like San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $39,400 | $18.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $35,685 | $17.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $45,230 | $21.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $59,475 | $28.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,300 | $27.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $47,580 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross salary is higher, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, factoring in local expenses.
Job Market Context
22,290
Total Jobs
9.263
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.98x 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 0.98 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is nearly identical to the national average. This indicates a competitive but not overly saturated market, with job opportunities readily available for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,720↓ 8% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $47,070↓ 1% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $50,190↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $45,730↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,040↓ 10% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $47,580. This typically ranges from $39,400 for entry-level positions to $57,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 26.2% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $47,580 is notably higher than the national average. However, the Cost of Living Index being at the national average means the increased salary's purchasing power is balanced by local expenses.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($43,720) and Napa, CA.
How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $47,580, which is approximately $9,880 higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job market like for Cooks in this region?
The job market is stable, with a workforce of 22,290 and a Location Quotient of 0.98, indicating a demand that closely matches the national average concentration.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Cook's salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $47,580 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a higher number.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there per 1,000 workers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
There are approximately 9.263 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 22,290 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 9.263 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA