Chefs and Head Cooks in California
Local pay for chefs and head cooks in California, on the same wage scale as the U.S. Growth and openings are national.
SOC 35-1011
$64,500
median pay, California
31,670
employed in California
+3.2%
vs U.S. median
+7.1%
growth, 2024–34 (U.S.)
What chefs and head cooks earn in California
California · annual wage · OEWS May 2025
Half of chefs and head cooks in California earn between $46,320 and $81,040 a year; the U.S. median is $62,470.
$37,380
P10
$46,320
P25
$64,500
MEDIAN
$81,040
P75
$101,870
P90
Pay by metro in California
$79,020
$78,960
$73,570
$72,440
$69,990
$68,970
$65,060
$64,480
$20k $80k $140k