Cook Salary in San Jose, CA

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

The average salary for a Cook is $44,300 per year in San Jose, CA.

A Cook in San Jose, CA earns an average yearly salary of $44,300. The salary range for Cooks varies, with entry-level positions starting around $34,000. As chefs gain experience and skills, they can earn more. For those with several years in the field, salaries can rise to about $69,080.


In San Jose, many Cooks benefit from the city's vibrant food scene, which offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. With a mix of restaurants and catering companies, talent is always in demand. Those who continue to improve their culinary skills can find great financial rewards in this industry.

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

The highest paying cities for Cook jobs near San Jose, CA showcase competitive salaries. Los Altos leads with an average salary of $50,084, followed closely by Palo Alto at $48,383. Other notable cities, like Cupertino and Stanford, also offer strong pay, making this region a promising area for culinary professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near San Jose, CA, highlighting Los Altos, CA with the highest at $50,084 and Redwood City, CA with the lowest at $43,296.
  1. Los Altos, CA
    Average Salary: $50,084
    Working as a chef in Los Altos offers a chance to bring fresh, local ingredients to life. The community appreciates quality dining, so there are many opportunities at restaurants and caterers that focus on innovative and seasonal menus.
    Find Cook jobs in Los Altos, CA


  2. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $48,383
    In Palo Alto, chefs can thrive in a vibrant food scene driven by tech professionals and college students. Restaurants here often seek creative talent, and the proximity to Stanford University provides a unique atmosphere of culinary exploration.
    Find Cook jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Cupertino, CA
    Average Salary: $48,075
    Cupertino’s diverse culture creates a rich culinary environment for chefs. With tech companies like Apple around, there’s high demand for varied dining options that cater to a busy workforce looking for quality meals.
    Find Cook jobs in Cupertino, CA


  4. Stanford, CA
    Average Salary: $47,974
    Stanford provides an exciting opportunity for chefs with its dynamic community and campus events. The presence of students and faculty ensures a steady clientele that enjoys experimenting with different cuisines.
    Find Cook jobs in Stanford, CA


  5. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $47,175
    Menlo Park boasts a flourishing restaurant scene, attracting chefs who embrace both traditional and innovative cooking. Local eateries focus on sustainability, making it a great place for culinary professionals who value fresh, seasonal produce.
    Find Cook jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  6. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $47,049
    Santa Clara offers plentiful opportunities for chefs in a bustling city known for its tech industries. The diverse population means a wide variety of dining options, creating a vibrant and engaging work atmosphere.
    Find Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $46,809
    Mountain View’s food landscape is exciting for chefs, featuring cuisines from around the globe. With a strong presence of tech workers, restaurants enjoy a high foot traffic and a clientele eager to explore new flavors.
    Find Cook jobs in Mountain View, CA


  8. Atherton, CA
    Average Salary: $44,333
    Atherton attracts chefs to its upscale dining establishments where gourmet cuisine meets high standards. The affluent community appreciates fine dining, providing chefs with the chance to showcase culinary skills.
    Find Cook jobs in Atherton, CA


  9. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $43,675
    Sunnyvale offers diverse culinary opportunities due to its multicultural population. Local restaurants serve a wide array of dishes, making it an ideal place for chefs who love to explore different styles of cooking.
    Find Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $43,296
    Redwood City’s emerging food scene brings exciting opportunities for culinary professionals. With a blend of casual dining and upscale restaurants, chefs can find their niche and connect with a friendly community.
    Find Cook jobs in Redwood City, CA

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

In San Jose, CA, some of the best-paying companies for Cook jobs include Hilton, with an average salary of $60,540, and ISS Facility Services, offering around $51,392. HomeFirst Services and Bon Appétit follow closely, both providing competitive salaries near $51,000. These companies demonstrate a commitment to rewarding their culinary talent, making them attractive options for job seekers in the cooking field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in San Jose, CA, highlighting Hilton with the highest at $60,540 and Chartwells Higher Education with the lowest at $46,625.
  1. Hilton
    Average Salary: $60,540
    Hilton offers Cook positions that highlight creativity and teamwork. Cooks work in a vibrant environment and contribute to memorable dining experiences in various Hilton hotels located throughout San Jose.


  2. ISS Facility Services
    Average Salary: $51,392
    At ISS Facility Services, Cooks play a key role in delivering quality meals for various institutions. The company operates in multiple locations in San Jose, providing a stable environment and opportunities to grow.


  3. HomeFirst Services
    Average Salary: $51,000
    HomeFirst Services employs Cooks who prepare nutritious meals for their clients. The focus is on serving the community with care, especially in their locations that support housing initiatives in San Jose.


  4. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $48,533
    Bon Appétit provides Cooks with the chance to showcase their culinary skills in a dynamic catering environment. They serve locally sourced foods at corporate and educational locations across San Jose.


  5. Bon Appetit
    Average Salary: $48,000
    Bon Appetit offers Cooks the opportunity to create diverse menus while focusing on sustainability. They operate in several settings in San Jose, providing a fulfilling workplace atmosphere.


  6. Eurest
    Average Salary: $47,063
    Eurest employs Cooks to prepare fresh, delicious meals for its clients in corporate cafes. With locations in San Jose, Cooks work in a fast-paced environment where teamwork is essential.


  7. Watermark Retirement Communities
    Average Salary: $47,000
    Cooks at Watermark Retirement Communities focus on creating memorable dining experiences for residents. The company operates in comfortable settings in San Jose, emphasizing a caring community.


  8. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $46,980
    Sodexo employs Cooks who enjoy preparing meals that meet diverse dietary needs. With several client sites in San Jose, Cooks contribute to enhancing the dining experience.


  9. Epicurean Group
    Average Salary: $46,667
    At Epicurean Group, Cooks help craft delightful meals using fresh ingredients. The company operates in various settings in San Jose, fostering a creative culinary environment.


  10. Chartwells Higher Education
    Average Salary: $46,625
    Cooks at Chartwells Higher Education create tasty and nutritious meal options for college students. The company has several dining locations in San Jose, focusing on quality and sustainability.

There are 18,748 Cook job openings nationwide!

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