Cook Salary in San Jose, CA

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

The average salary for a Cook is $44,420 per year in San Jose, CA.

In San Jose, CA, a Cook earns an average yearly salary of $44,420. This amount reflects the diverse range of positions available in the culinary field. Some entry-level cooks may start with salaries around $34,000, while those with more experience can earn upwards of $69,080.


The job offers opportunities for financial growth. With dedication and skill, one can move up the ladder and potentially increase their earnings significantly. For those passionate about cooking, a position as a Cook in San Jose can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

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

Cook jobs pay the highest in Los Altos, CA, with an average salary of $50,102. Following closely are Palo Alto and Stanford, offering average salaries of $48,460 and $47,904, respectively. Cities like Cupertino and Menlo Park also provide competitive pay, ensuring great opportunities for cooks in the San Jose area.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near San Jose, CA, highlighting Los Altos, CA with the highest at $50,102 and Redwood City, CA with the lowest at $43,549.
  1. Los Altos, CA
    Average Salary: $50,102
    Working as a chef in Los Altos offers a vibrant culinary scene. The area features many upscale restaurants and cozy cafes, providing a variety of opportunities to showcase your skills.
    Find Cook jobs in Los Altos, CA


  2. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $48,460
    Palo Alto’s thriving dining scene includes a mix of fine dining and casual eateries. Chefs can enjoy a dynamic work environment, with options ranging from innovative cuisine to traditional fare.
    Find Cook jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Stanford, CA
    Average Salary: $47,904
    Located near Stanford University, this city presents unique chances for chefs to engage with diverse student and faculty communities. Local dining spots often focus on fresh ingredients and sustainable practices.
    Find Cook jobs in Stanford, CA


  4. Cupertino, CA
    Average Salary: $47,830
    Cupertino is home to many tech professionals, creating a demand for quick yet delicious meal options. Chefs can thrive in a fast-paced environment, catering to the busy lifestyle of residents.
    Find Cook jobs in Cupertino, CA


  5. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $47,690
    Chefs in Menlo Park can work in upscale restaurants or cater to events in this growing community. The area attracts a mix of families and professionals, ensuring a consistent flow of customers.
    Find Cook jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  6. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $47,052
    This city’s diverse population allows for various culinary influences. Chefs can experiment with global flavors and creative dishes, making each dining experience unique.
    Find Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $46,832
    Mountain View offers a lively food scene, driven by its tech industry. Chefs often create innovative menus that appeal to health-conscious diners and food enthusiasts.
    Find Cook jobs in Mountain View, CA


  8. Atherton, CA
    Average Salary: $44,333
    Atherton, known for its affluent residents, provides opportunities in high-end private catering and exclusive dining. Chefs can work closely with clients to craft personalized dining experiences.
    Find Cook jobs in Atherton, CA


  9. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $44,109
    Sunnyvale’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great place for culinary professionals. Chefs can enjoy serving a mix of traditional and modern dishes to all ages.
    Find Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  10. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $43,549
    Redwood City features a bustling downtown with many restaurants and eateries. Chefs can take advantage of the growing foodie culture, connecting with local ingredients and flavors.
    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 strong salaries for Cook positions. Hilton leads with an impressive average salary of $61,863, followed by ISS Facility Services and HomeFirst Services with average salaries of $51,392 and $51,000, respectively. These organizations not only provide competitive pay but also create rewarding environments for culinary professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in San Jose, CA, highlighting Hilton with the highest at $61,863 and Epicurean Group with the lowest at $46,667.
  1. Hilton
    Average Salary: $61,863
    Hilton offers exciting opportunities for cooks in various locations across San Jose, CA. Cooks at Hilton help create memorable dining experiences for guests in a vibrant hotel environment.


  2. ISS Facility Services
    Average Salary: $51,392
    Cooks at ISS Facility Services create meals for a variety of facilities including corporate offices and schools. They take pride in serving delicious and nutritious food throughout San Jose, CA.


  3. HomeFirst Services
    Average Salary: $51,000
    HomeFirst Services focuses on providing meals in supportive housing environments. Cooks here work in locations across San Jose, CA, helping to nourish individuals in need.


  4. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $48,493
    Bon Appétit employs cooks to serve fresh, local cuisine in various dining venues. Locations in San Jose, CA, allow cooks to thrive in a friendly and innovative kitchen atmosphere.


  5. Bon Appetit
    Average Salary: $48,000
    With a focus on sustainability and fresh ingredients, Bon Appetit offers cook positions in San Jose, CA. Cooks here contribute to making a positive impact through food.


  6. Eurest
    Average Salary: $47,061
    Eurest provides excellent dining services in corporate environments. Cooks in San Jose, CA, create meals that cater to diverse employee needs while working in a dynamic kitchen.


  7. Watermark Retirement Communities
    Average Salary: $47,000
    Cooks at Watermark Retirement Communities prepare meals for residents in a warm and welcoming environment. Opportunities exist in San Jose, CA, where food brings people together.


  8. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $46,982
    Sodexo offers various dining options in hospitals and schools. Cooks in San Jose, CA, enjoy a role that ensures quality meals are provided to numerous communities.


  9. Brookdale Senior Living
    Average Salary: $46,798
    At Brookdale Senior Living, cooks prepare meals for seniors in a friendly and caring environment. Positions in San Jose, CA, allow cooks to make a difference in people's lives.


  10. Epicurean Group
    Average Salary: $46,667
    Epicurean Group emphasizes locally sourced ingredients in its kitchens. Cooks in San Jose, CA, work to create unique and memorable dining experiences for various clients.

There are 19,010 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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