SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Stockton-Lodi, CA

Cooks in the Stockton-Lodi, CA area earn an average annual salary of $40,930, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This localized pay differential is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific demands of the local culinary scene, and the cost of doing business within the Stockton-Lodi metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,850.
  • Outlook: The Stockton-Lodi region supports a substantial workforce of 1,820 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. While the Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of over 1,800 individuals in this role indicates a stable and established demand for culinary talent within the local job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,930

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Stockton-Lodi, CA earns+8.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.7

Weekly

$787

Monthly

$3,411

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Stockton-Lodi, CA

Salary progression for Cooks in Stockton-Lodi typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies significant career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,060$16.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,698$14.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$38,380$18.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$51,163$24.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,850$23

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,930

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $40,930 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal income for Cooks in Stockton-Lodi, CA, effectively aligns with the national cost of living. This means that while the salary is above the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average.

Job Market Context

1,820

Total Jobs

6.367

Per 1K Jobs

0.68

Location Quotient

Below Average

Stockton-Lodi, CA has 0.68x 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 0.68 for Cooks in Stockton-Lodi indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, there is a steady presence of these roles, implying a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

Comparing salaries near Stockton-Lodi, CA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Stockton-Lodi, CA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Stockton-Lodi, CA is $40,930. This typically ranges from $35,060 for entry-level positions to $47,850 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Stockton-Lodi, CA is 8.6% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Stockton-Lodi, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, moderately so.Cooks in Stockton-Lodi earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering decent purchasing power.

Is Stockton-Lodi, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Stockton-Lodi, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($41,310) and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Stockton-Lodi, CA?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Stockton-Lodi, CA is $40,930.

How does the Stockton-Lodi salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Stockton-Lodi ($40,930) is higher than the national average ($37,700).

What is the Cost of Living Index in Stockton-Lodi, CA?

The Cost of Living Index in Stockton-Lodi, CA is 100, which is the national average.

How many Cooks work in the Stockton-Lodi, CA area?

There are approximately 1,820 Cooks employed in the Stockton-Lodi, 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 1,820 employees in the Stockton-Lodi, CA area with a job density of 6.367 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.