Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Merced, CA
The average salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Merced, CA is $36,340. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Merced, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.72x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,660.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Merced, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Merced, CA earns+1.9%above the national average.
$17.5
$699
$3,028
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 1 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Merced, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 3.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Merced, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $33,280, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $42,660.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,255 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,200 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,425 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,660 | $20.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Merced, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $36,340 to $36,340.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
1.68
Per 1K Jobs
1.72
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
130 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Merced, CA.
1.68 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Cooks, Short Order positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $38,470↑ 6% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $36,890↑ 2% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $36,920↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $39,670↑ 9% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $42,940↑ 18% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Merced, CA is $36,340. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $42,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 1.9% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is Merced, CA a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, Merced, CA is an excellent location for Cooks, Short Orders. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($36,340) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
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 ($38,470) and Fresno, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 1.68 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA