Cook Salary in San Marcos, CA

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

The average salary for a Cook is $37,419 per year in San Marcos, CA.

In San Marcos, CA, cooks enjoy a rewarding career with a decent salary. The average yearly salary for a cook in this area is about $37,419. Many cooks earn between $32,000 and $42,000 depending on their experience and qualifications.


At the lower end of the scale, some cooks earn around $32,000. As they gain more experience, their salaries can rise. For instance, it is common to see cooks making around $39,273 after a few years in the field. Those at the top of the pay scale can earn around $42,000 annually.


Overall, working as a cook in San Marcos provides good financial opportunities. Factors such as experience and skill level greatly impact earnings, allowing dedicated individuals to increase their income over time.

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

Cook jobs near San Marcos, CA, offer attractive salaries, especially in nearby cities. Coronado, CA, leads with an average salary of $44,315, closely followed by Camp Pendleton at $44,101 and La Jolla at $42,749. Other notable areas like San Diego and Del Mar also provide competitive wages, making this region an excellent choice for those looking to advance their culinary careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near San Marcos, CA, highlighting Coronado, CA with the highest at $44,315 and Escondido, CA with the lowest at $38,669.
  1. Coronado, CA
    Average Salary: $44,315
    Working in Coronado offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning views. The local dining scene features prominent spots like Hotel del Coronado, where chefs create memorable experiences for guests.
    Find Cook jobs in Coronado, CA


  2. Camp Pendleton, CA
    Average Salary: $44,101
    Camp Pendleton serves as a unique environment for culinary professionals, catering to military personnel and their families. Dining options here range from casual cafes to more upscale settings, providing ample opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in Camp Pendleton, CA


  3. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $42,749
    La Jolla boasts a thriving culinary scene with a focus on fresh seafood and farm-to-table dining. Restaurants like George’s at the Cove attract locals and tourists alike, making it an exciting place to work.
    Find Cook jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $40,997
    San Diego is known for its diverse food culture, from taco shops to gourmet eateries. Major players like Season's 52 offer cooks a chance to be part of a highly regarded culinary community.
    Find Cook jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Del Mar, CA
    Average Salary: $40,517
    Del Mar provides a relaxed coastal lifestyle, complemented by upscale restaurants and cafes. Working in this picturesque area allows cooks to showcase their skills in a vibrant dining scene.
    Find Cook jobs in Del Mar, CA


  6. Carlsbad, CA
    Average Salary: $40,395
    Carlsbad combines beautiful beaches with a growing food scene. Establishments like Campfire emphasize innovative cooking, making it an exciting environment for culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $39,940
    Poway features a friendly community atmosphere with a mix of casual and family-style dining. Cooks in this area enjoy working in close-knit kitchens that focus on fresh, local ingredients.
    Find Cook jobs in Poway, CA


  8. Encinitas, CA
    Average Salary: $39,294
    Encinitas is a hub for health-conscious dining, offering numerous options for organic and vegan cuisines. Cooks here can take advantage of the local farmers' markets and innovative culinary ideas.
    Find Cook jobs in Encinitas, CA


  9. Oceanside, CA
    Average Salary: $38,719
    Oceanside’s culinary landscape includes beachside cafes and upscale dining venues. Restaurants like 333 Pacific enable cooks to work with fresh seafood while serving a diverse clientele.
    Find Cook jobs in Oceanside, CA


  10. Escondido, CA
    Average Salary: $38,669
    Escondido features a lively restaurant scene with a focus on multicultural cuisines. Working here allows cooks to explore different culinary traditions and connect with a diverse group of diners.
    Find Cook jobs in Escondido, CA

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

In San Marcos, CA, several companies offer attractive salaries for Cook positions. Brookdale Senior Living leads with an average salary of $41,060, followed by Sodexo at $38,591. Other notable employers include Summit Restaurant Group and Rubio's Coastal Grill, providing competitive pay as well.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in San Marcos, CA, highlighting Brookdale Senior Living with the highest at $41,060 and Andre-Boudin Bakeries with the lowest at $33,333.
  1. Brookdale Senior Living
    Average Salary: $41,060
    Brookdale Senior Living offers Cook jobs that focus on preparing healthy meals for residents. The company operates in many locations, including San Marcos, CA, creating a warm and welcoming environment for both staff and residents.


  2. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $38,591
    Sodexo provides Cook positions that emphasize quality and consistency in meal preparation. In San Marcos, CA, employees work in various settings, contributing to a positive dining experience for customers in schools, hospitals, and corporate environments.


  3. Summit Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $36,483
    At Summit Restaurant Group, Cooks play a vital role in delivering delicious meals in a fast-paced dining environment. The group operates multiple restaurants in San Marcos, CA, focusing on customer satisfaction and culinary excellence.


  4. Rubio's Coastal Grill
    Average Salary: $35,200
    Rubio's Coastal Grill hires Cooks who are passionate about fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. In San Marcos, CA, employees create a vibrant atmosphere while preparing quality Mexican cuisine for guests.


  5. Sonic Drive-In
    Average Salary: $34,933
    Sonic Drive-In offers Cook jobs that involve making classic American food in a fun, fast-paced environment. In San Marcos, CA, employees enjoy a flexible schedule while serving customers directly at their cars.


  6. Andre-Boudin Bakeries
    Average Salary: $33,333
    At Andre-Boudin Bakeries, Cooks focus on baking fresh bread and pastries daily. The bakery in San Marcos, CA, emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional recipes, providing a charming atmosphere for both employees and customers.

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