Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in California (2026)
California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $79,853 | +55.0% | High |
| San Diego | $76,247 | +48.0% | High |
| San Jose | $88,611 | +72.0% | High |
| San Francisco | $95,308 | +85.0% | High |
| Fresno | $55,639 | +8.0% | High |
| Sacramento | $62,852 | +22.0% | High |
| Long Beach | $74,701 | +45.0% | High |
| Bakersfield | $55,639 | +8.0% | High |
| Anaheim | $73,156 | +42.0% | High |
| Santa Ana | $72,125 | +40.0% | High |
| Riverside | $65,943 | +28.0% | High |
| Stockton | $60,791 | +18.0% | High |
| Irvine | $79,853 | +55.0% | High |
| San Bernardino | $60,791 | +18.0% | High |
| Modesto | $57,700 | +12.0% | High |
| Fontana | $62,852 | +22.0% | High |
| Moreno Valley | $59,246 | +15.0% | High |
| Glendale | $76,247 | +48.0% | High |
| Fremont | $82,429 | +60.0% | High |
California is home to a very strong job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $51,518 per year, California's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $36,466–$44,418, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $62,310–$68,299.
Looking ahead, the Institution and Cafeteria Cook profession in California is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in California?The average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in California is $51,518 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $36,280.
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What city in California pays Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the most?San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is California a good state for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks?California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
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How does California Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary compare to the US average?At $51,518/year, California Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $36,280/year.