Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA · 150 employed
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $67,030 per year. The middle 50% of Chefs and Head Cookss earn between $52,250 and $75,180. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $93,290 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $43,470. The median of $64,560 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Breakdown in Santa Cruz, CA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $43,470 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,250 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $64,560 |
| Mean (Average) | $67,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,180 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $93,290 |
Related Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $51,390 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $47,960 |
| Cooks, All Other | $46,540 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $43,910 |
| Bartenders | $43,870 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $43,040 |
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 Santa Cruz, CA?
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $67,030 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Santa Cruz, CA?
The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $64,560 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 Santa Cruz, CA?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss in Santa Cruz, CA typically earn around $43,470 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $52,250.
What do the highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss earn in Santa Cruz, CA?
The highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss in Santa Cruz, CA earn $93,290 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $75,180.
How many Chefs and Head Cookss work in Santa Cruz, CA?
There are approximately 150 Chefs and Head Cookss employed in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area, per BLS OEWS.