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Cooks, Short Order Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Cooks, Short Order make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$42,930
Median Annual Salary
▲
+10.0% vs 2024
$42,260
Mean Salary
$42,930
Median Salary
$20.64
Hourly Rate
30,740 people work as Cooks, Short Order in California
Cooks, Short Order salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Cooks, Short Order in California earn a median salary of $42,930 per year ($3,577/month).
This is 24.4% above the national average of $34,505.
California ranks #5 out of 49 states for Cooks, Short Order pay.
Approximately 30,740 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 10.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Cooks, Short Order
Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
3.76
Food Production
3.49
Production and Processing
3.35
English Language
3.09
Mathematics
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(54.7% of workers)
Salaries for Cooks, Short Order in California range from $35,880 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $47,150 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $38,250 and $45,020.
Median $42,930
P10: $35,880P25: $38,250P75: $45,020P90: $47,150
10th
$35,880
25th
$38,250
Median
$42,930
75th
$45,020
90th
$47,150
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$35,880
$17.25
$2,990
25th Percentile
$38,250
$18.39
$3,187
Median (50th)
$42,930
$20.64
$3,577
75th Percentile
$45,020
$21.64
$3,751
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$47,150
$22.67
$3,929
Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Cooks, Short Order make in California?
The median annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in California is $42,930 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,260.
What is the salary range for a Cooks, Short Order in California?
Salaries for Cooks, Short Order in California range from $35,880 at the 10th percentile to $47,150 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $38,250 and $45,020.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Short Order in California?
Entry-level Cooks, Short Order positions in California typically start around $35,880 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $38,250 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Cooks, Short Order in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 30,740 people are employed as Cooks, Short Order in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Cooks, Short Order in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Cooks, Short Order in California is approximately $20.64 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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