Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Cooks, Short Order professionals in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn an average annual salary of $42,940. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $35,650, indicating a premium for culinary talent in this dynamic region. The higher compensation is likely driven by the area's robust economy and demand for skilled food service workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,620.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Short Order in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, appears robust, with a total workforce of 1,780 individuals. A Location Quotient of 1.6 suggests a concentration of these roles that is 60% higher than the national average, pointing to a strong and potentially growing demand for this profession within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+20.4%above the national average.
$20.6
$826
$3,578
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in San Jose is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Short Order have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth across many service industries. This anticipated growth is often influenced by inflation, increasing demand, and the rising cost of living.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $37,910 | $18.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,205 | $15.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $42,310 | $20.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,675 | $25.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,620 | $23.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $42,940 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross income is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings are offset by local living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,780
Total Jobs
1.565
Per 1K Jobs
1.6
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 1.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.6, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area exhibits a notable concentration of Cooks, Short Order positions compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure skilled talent, while also indicating a healthy number of job opportunities for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $38,960↓ 9% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $45,050↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Salinas, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $39,670↓ 8% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $38,470↓ 10% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $36,920↓ 14% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $42,940. This typically ranges from $37,910 for entry-level positions to $48,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 20.4% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $42,940 is higher than the national average, but the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($38,960) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $42,940, which is notably higher than the national average of $35,650.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Short Order in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.6, indicating that the concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 60% higher than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is higher, the cost of goods and services is also at the national average, balancing out the increased earnings in terms of purchasing power.
What is the total number of Cooks, Short Order in the local workforce?
There are approximately 1,780 Cooks, Short Order employed within the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,780 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 1.565 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA