Average Chef Salary in California
Hospitality · Updated 2024 · Based on BLS and industry data
Salary Overview
The average Chef in California earns $66,300 per year, which is above the national average of $58,920. This translates to approximately $31.88 per hour, $2,550 biweekly, or $5,525 per month before taxes.
The cost of living in California is 42% above the national average, which explains the higher salary levels needed to maintain purchasing power.
Salary Range
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (25th) | $49,700 | $23.89 |
| Average (50th) | $66,300 | $31.88 |
| Experienced (75th) | $76,200 | $36.66 |
| Top Earners (90th) | $86,200 | $41.44 |
Chef Salary by City in California
| City | Average Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $71,600 | $5,967/mo |
| San Francisco | $67,600 | $5,633/mo |
| San Diego | $65,000 | $5,417/mo |
| San Jose | $63,000 | $5,250/mo |
| Sacramento | $61,700 | $5,142/mo |
Career Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Category | Hospitality |
| Typical Education | High school + experience |
| Job Growth (2022-2032) | 5% (nationwide) |
| State Income Tax | 1%-13.3% (9 brackets + mental health surcharge) |
| State Minimum Wage | $16.00/hr |
| Cost of Living Index | 1.42 (+42% vs national avg) |
Top Employers in California
Major employers hiring Chefs in California include Kaiser Permanente, Google, Apple, Walt Disney, and Chevron. These companies and organizations offer competitive salaries and benefits packages for hospitality professionals.
Calculate Your California Take-Home Pay
Want to see your actual paycheck after taxes? Use our free California Take-Home Pay Calculator to see exactly how much you'll take home based on your salary, filing status, and deductions.
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