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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Modesto, CA

Cooks, Short Order in Modesto, CA, earn an average annual salary of $38,470, surpassing the national average of $35,650. This higher compensation is likely driven by the specific labor market dynamics and demand within the Modesto area, reflecting a localized premium for these essential culinary roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,590.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 individuals in this role, Modesto demonstrates a significant concentration of Short Order Cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.97 indicates that this profession is more than twice as prevalent in Modesto compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these skilled workers within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,470

The average Cooks, Short Order in Modesto, CA earns+7.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.5

Weekly

$740

Monthly

$3,206

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA

As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Short Order. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile distributions, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,730$16.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,853$13.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,940$17.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,088$23.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,590$21.4

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,470

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,470 in Modesto, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Short Order Cook's salary in Modesto is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover standard living expenses.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

1.922

Per 1K Jobs

1.97

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Modesto, CA has 2.0x 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.

Modesto's Location Quotient of 1.97 for Cooks, Short Order signifies a highly concentrated job market for this profession. With a concentration nearly double the national average, the demand for these workers is significantly higher locally than in many other areas. This suggests a competitive landscape for employers seeking talent, potentially leading to better opportunities and compensation for skilled individuals in this role.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near Modesto, CA

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Modesto, CA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Modesto, CA is $38,470. This typically ranges from $34,730 for entry-level positions to $44,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 7.9% higher than the national median of $35,650.

Is Modesto, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

Yes, Modesto offers competitive compensation for Cooks, Short Order.The average salary of $38,470 is above the national average, and the strong local demand indicated by the Location Quotient suggests favorable employment conditions.

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

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 ($36,920) and Merced, CA.

How does Modesto's salary for Cooks, Short Order compare to the national average?

Cooks, Short Order in Modesto earn an average of $38,470 annually, which is higher than the national average of $35,650.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.97 mean for Short Order Cooks in Modesto?

A Location Quotient of 1.97 indicates that the concentration of Short Order Cooks in Modesto is nearly double the national average, suggesting strong local demand for this profession.

How does the Cost of Living in Modesto affect the salary of a Short Order Cook?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Modesto is at the national average, meaning the $38,470 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Short Order Cooks employed in Modesto?

There are approximately 370 Cooks, Short Order employed within the Modesto, 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 370 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 1.922 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.