Cook Salary in Fresno, CA

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
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How much does a Cook make in Fresno, CA?

The average salary for a Cook is $37,310 per year in Fresno, CA.

In Fresno, CA, cooks can expect to earn an average salary of about $37,310 per year. This figure reflects the skills and experience that cooks bring to their work. Many cooks earn around $32,000 in the early stages of their careers, but as they gain experience, their earnings can rise significantly.


For example, cooks with a bit more experience might see salaries around $33,430 to $34,860 annually. The opportunities for advancement can lead to salaries of $36,290, $37,720, or even more, depending on factors like location, type of restaurant, and individual skills. Top earners in this field can reach salaries of $47,730.


Overall, the cooking profession in Fresno offers attractive earning potential, especially for those who are committed to developing their skills and advancing their careers.

View Cook Jobs in Fresno, CA

What are the highest paying cities for Cook near Fresno, CA?

Sacramento, CA offers the highest average salary for Cook jobs near Fresno, at $39,481. Following closely are Reedley and Woodland, with salaries of $37,913 and $37,902, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for Cook professionals looking to maximize their earnings in the region.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Fresno, CA, highlighting Sacramento, CA with the highest at $39,481 and Bakersfield, CA with the lowest at $36,593.
  1. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $39,481
    Sacramento boasts a vibrant food scene, making it an exciting place to work in the culinary field. Many local restaurants and catering companies, such as The Firehouse and Mulvaney's B&L, look for skilled kitchen staff to support their growing demands.
    Find Cook jobs in Sacramento, CA


  2. Reedley, CA
    Average Salary: $37,913
    Reedley offers a friendly environment for culinary professionals. Small cafés and restaurants, like the popular Reedley Diner, often seek talented individuals to bring fresh ideas to the menu, celebrating the local agricultural bounty.
    Find Cook jobs in Reedley, CA


  3. Woodland, CA
    Average Salary: $37,902
    In Woodland, cooks can thrive in a community that values fresh ingredients and diverse cuisine. Local eateries and chains, such as the popular Molly’s Family Restaurant, regularly hire enthusiastic cooks to help assemble delicious dishes for their loyal patrons.
    Find Cook jobs in Woodland, CA


  4. Dinuba, CA
    Average Salary: $37,652
    Dinuba, known for its rich agricultural heritage, provides many opportunities for culinary professionals. Local dining spots, like La Fiesta, prioritize fresh, seasonal ingredients, making each role in the kitchen both impactful and satisfying.
    Find Cook jobs in Dinuba, CA


  5. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $37,370
    Visalia features a growing culinary landscape with many restaurants ready to welcome talented cooks. From the bustling local farmers' markets to eateries like Pizazz, culinary artists thrive in this community focused on farm-to-table dining.
    Find Cook jobs in Visalia, CA


  6. Los Banos, CA
    Average Salary: $37,292
    Los Banos enjoys a strong sense of community, reflected in its dining options. Local diners and independent restaurants, such as Los Banos Cafe, actively seek passionate kitchen staff to enhance their offerings and create lasting dining experiences.
    Find Cook jobs in Los Banos, CA


  7. Atwater, CA
    Average Salary: $37,281
    Atwater combines small-town charm with a diverse food culture. Local establishments, like The Daily Grind Cafe, present opportunities for cooks to showcase their skills while engaging with the community and supporting local flavors.
    Find Cook jobs in Atwater, CA


  8. Merced, CA
    Average Salary: $37,006
    Merced's food scene draws on its diverse population, offering a variety of dining experiences. Restaurants like O'Brien's Market often look for skilled kitchen staff to help create flavorful dishes, making this a lively place for culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Merced, CA


  9. Selma, CA
    Average Salary: $36,723
    Selma is a tight-knit community with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Restaurants such as El Buey BBQ offer a chance for cooks to share their talent while connecting with residents who appreciate good food.
    Find Cook jobs in Selma, CA


  10. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $36,593
    Bakersfield features a thriving culinary industry with numerous restaurants looking for skilled cooks. Established names like The 24th Street Cafe give job seekers a chance to work in dynamic kitchens that emphasize hearty, homemade meals.
    Find Cook jobs in Bakersfield, CA

What are the best paying companies for Cook in Fresno, CA?

In Fresno, CA, Cook jobs at State Center Community College District top the list with an average salary of $51,023, providing a strong opportunity for those in this field. Other well-paying employers include Central Unified School District and Vibra Healthcare, offering average salaries of $42,105 and $41,838, respectively. These organizations demonstrate a commitment to offering competitive wages, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Fresno, CA, highlighting State Center Community College District with the highest at $51,023 and Corner Bakery Cafe with the lowest at $38,317.
  1. State Center Community College District
    Average Salary: $51,023
    State Center Community College District offers a rewarding environment for cooks. They provide meal services to students and staff at multiple campuses, including Fresno City College and Clovis Community College.


  2. Central Unified School District
    Average Salary: $42,105
    Central Unified School District employs cooks to prepare meals for students. They focus on healthy, nutritious options at school locations throughout the Central Fresno area.


  3. Vibra Healthcare
    Average Salary: $41,838
    Vibra Healthcare values the role of cooks in delivering quality meals for patients in their facilities. They operate several health care locations in Fresno, providing a supportive cooking environment.


  4. Panda Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $41,000
    Panda Restaurant Group hires cooks for their popular fast-casual dining locations. With multiple restaurants in Fresno, they offer dynamic opportunities for culinary professionals to thrive.


  5. Turning Point of Central California, Inc.
    Average Salary: $39,084
    Turning Point of Central California focuses on providing services for mental health recovery. Cooks play an important role in their facilities, contributing to nutrition-focused meal plans across various locations.


  6. Rehabilitation Center of Fresno
    Average Salary: $39,000
    The Rehabilitation Center of Fresno employs cooks to prepare meals for residents. They emphasize quality nutrition and cater to dietary needs at their facility.


  7. Morrison Healthcare
    Average Salary: $38,920
    Morrison Healthcare provides food services in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Cooks here create nutritious meals for patients in Fresno area hospitals.


  8. Countryside Care Center
    Average Salary: $38,800
    Countryside Care Center focuses on quality care and nutrition. Cooks prepare meals that cater to the dietary preferences and needs of residents in their Fresno facility.


  9. HumanGood
    Average Salary: $38,395
    HumanGood employs cooks to ensure that residents receive delicious and balanced meals. They operates senior living communities and provide culinary services in Fresno.


  10. Corner Bakery Cafe
    Average Salary: $38,317
    Corner Bakery Cafe offers a friendly atmosphere for cooks who thrive in a fast-paced environment. They have several locations in Fresno, serving fresh, handmade meals to their customers.

There are 18,748 Cook job openings nationwide!

How's the job market for a Cook in the US?

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