Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Salinas, CA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Salinas, CA · 340 employed
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Salinas, CA is $76,710 per year. The middle 50% of Chefs and Head Cookss earn between $61,010 and $85,030. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $122,170 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $44,320. The median of $73,260 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Breakdown in Salinas, CA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $44,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,010 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $73,260 |
| Mean (Average) | $76,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,030 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $122,170 |
Related Jobs in Salinas, CA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $53,620 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $47,490 |
| Bartenders | $46,400 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $44,600 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $44,400 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $42,920 |
Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $97,850 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $90,910 |
| Napa, CA | $82,440 |
| Providence, RI | $81,590 |
| San Jose, CA | $79,730 |
| Morgantown, WV | $79,100 |
| Naples, FL | $78,070 |
| Boston, MA | $77,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Salinas, CA?
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Salinas, CA is $76,710 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Salinas, CA?
The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Salinas, CA is $73,260 per year. Half of Chefs and Head Cookss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss make in Salinas, CA?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss in Salinas, CA typically earn around $44,320 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $61,010.
What do the highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss earn in Salinas, CA?
The highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss in Salinas, CA earn $122,170 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $85,030.
How many Chefs and Head Cookss work in Salinas, CA?
There are approximately 340 Chefs and Head Cookss employed in the Salinas, CA area, per BLS OEWS.