Cook Salary in San Jose, CA

Updated on Feb 09, 2025
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How much does a Cook make in San Jose, CA?

The average salary for a Cook is $44,311 per year in San Jose, CA.

Cooks in San Jose, CA earn a competitive salary. On average, a Cook brings home about $44,311 each year. The salary range varies based on experience and skill level. Entry-level positions start around $34,000 annually, while seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $69,080.


Most Cooks fall within a range of about $37,189 to $63,324, depending on their expertise and the specific demands of their roles. This data highlights the potential for growth within the cooking profession as Cooks gain experience and improve their culinary skills. With San Jose’s vibrant food scene, there also exist opportunities for Cooks to advance professionally and increase their earning potential.

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

Cook jobs offer some competitive salaries in cities near San Jose, CA. Los Altos leads the way with an average salary of $50,084, followed closely by Palo Alto at $48,383 and Cupertino at $48,075. These cities provide excellent opportunities for cooks looking to advance their careers and earn a good income.
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
    In Los Altos, culinary professionals find a vibrant dining scene with opportunities in upscale restaurants and local cafes. Notable establishments like The Los Altos Grill showcase the area’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
    Find Cook jobs in Los Altos, CA


  2. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $48,383
    Palo Alto offers a dynamic kitchen environment, influenced by its tech-savvy culture. Many eateries, including those near Stanford University, focus on innovative and healthy cuisine, making it a great place for those who enjoy culinary creativity.
    Find Cook jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Cupertino, CA
    Average Salary: $48,075
    Cupertino's diverse community reflects in its food scene, with a mix of international cuisines. Working in local favorites like Amber India allows chefs to explore various culinary traditions while serving tech professionals who appreciate good food.
    Find Cook jobs in Cupertino, CA


  4. Stanford, CA
    Average Salary: $47,974
    Stanford, home to the prestigious university, presents unique opportunities for culinary experts in campus dining facilities. Staff can create meals for a diverse student body, focusing on flavors and nutrition in a lively academic atmosphere.
    Find Cook jobs in Stanford, CA


  5. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $47,175
    Menlo Park is an exciting location for culinary careers, especially with high-end restaurants and cafes thriving in the area. Working in local dining spots allows chefs to cater to a diverse clientele connected to the nearby tech industry.
    Find Cook jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  6. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $47,049
    Santa Clara boasts a lively food scene with many dining options. Professionals can work in restaurants and catering companies that serve both locals and guests from popular tech events, offering a variety of culinary experiences.
    Find Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $46,809
    Mountain View's vibrant downtown is home to a mix of established and new restaurants. Chefs here enjoy the chance to prepare dishes for a culturally diverse audience, especially around places like Castro Street.
    Find Cook jobs in Mountain View, CA


  8. Atherton, CA
    Average Salary: $44,333
    Atherton is known for its upscale living, which creates opportunities in high-end private catering and exclusive events. Culinary professionals can craft unique dining experiences for affluent residents seeking personalized service.
    Find Cook jobs in Atherton, CA


  9. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $43,675
    Sunnyvale offers a vibrant culinary scene, with many opportunities in both casual and fine dining establishments. Chefs can thrive in an environment that celebrates diversity and innovation in food.
    Find Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $43,296
    Redwood City is home to a growing number of restaurants, breweries, and food festivals. Culinary talent can find rewarding careers creating diverse menus that cater to a broad audience in a lively community.
    Find Cook jobs in Redwood City, CA

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

In San Jose, CA, several companies offer attractive salaries for Cook positions. Hilton leads the way with an average salary of $60,540, while ISS Facility Services and HomeFirst Services follow with competitive pay rates of $51,392 and $51,000, respectively. Other notable employers include Bon Appétit and Eurest, providing solid earnings for skilled cooks in the area.
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 at various locations around San Jose. Employees enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth. Cooks at Hilton prepare high-quality meals for guests, ensuring an exceptional dining experience.


  2. ISS Facility Services
    Average Salary: $51,392
    ISS Facility Services provides Cook roles in a variety of settings in San Jose. Their cooks focus on delivering nutritious meals tailored to their clients' needs, promoting a clean and safe kitchen environment.


  3. HomeFirst Services
    Average Salary: $51,000
    At HomeFirst Services, cooks play a crucial role in serving nutritious meals to those in need. The company operates in several facilities in San Jose, providing a supportive environment for both employees and residents.


  4. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $48,533
    Bon Appétit employs cooks in various venues across San Jose. They focus on using fresh, sustainable ingredients to create delicious meals, and their chefs enjoy creative freedom in the kitchen.


  5. Bon Appetit
    Average Salary: $48,000
    Bon Appetit offers cooking positions that emphasize quality and sustainability. They operate in numerous locations in San Jose, where cooks prepare meals with an emphasis on local ingredients.


  6. Eurest
    Average Salary: $47,063
    Eurest provides diverse culinary opportunities for cooks in San Jose. They focus on creating memorable dining experiences in corporate dining settings and emphasize teamwork in the kitchen.


  7. Watermark Retirement Communities
    Average Salary: $47,000
    Watermark Retirement Communities employs cooks to prepare meals for residents in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Their facilities in San Jose allow cooks to contribute to the well-being of seniors with thoughtful meal planning.


  8. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $46,980
    Sodexo is known for their commitment to quality food service. They hire cooks for a variety of sites in San Jose, where culinary professionals can create meals for students, employees, and residents.


  9. Epicurean Group
    Average Salary: $46,667
    Epicurean Group offers cooks a chance to work in a rewarding environment focused on freshness and sustainability. Their San Jose locations allow cooks to showcase their culinary skills in a fast-paced setting.


  10. Chartwells Higher Education
    Average Salary: $46,625
    Chartwells Higher Education employs cooks in college dining facilities across San Jose. Cooks create diverse menus that cater to student preferences, ensuring a fulfilling dining experience on campus.

There are 18,748 Cook job openings nationwide!

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

Learn what a Cook does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Cook today.
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Cook
18,748 Job Openings
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