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Cafeteria Cook Salary in California

How much does a Cafeteria Cook make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cafeteria Cook in California is $42,293 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Cafeteria Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52,008
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38,164 to $47,378
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,404
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Cafeteria Cook Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Cafeteria Cook Salaries

A Cafeteria Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Cafeteria Cook Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cafeteria Cook's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $39,855
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $39,981
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $40,607
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $41,728
  • Expert (over 8 years): $43,141
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Cafeteria Cook less than 1 year $39,855
Early Career Level Cafeteria Cook 1-2 years $39,981
Mid-Level Level Cafeteria Cook 2-4 years $40,607
Senior-Level Level Cafeteria Cook 5-8 years $41,728
Expert Level Cafeteria Cook over 8 years $43,141

How Do Cafeteria Cook Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cafeteria Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $42,454.
  • California: $42,293.
  • Massachusetts: $41,729.

Top Paying Cities for Cafeteria Cook

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $42,366
  • West Hollywood: $42,335
  • Dodgertown: $42,366

Cafeteria Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cafeteria Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Cafeteria Cook positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cafeteria Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cafeteria Cook

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $52,866 $25.0 25%
Construction $50,752 $24.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $50,752 $24.0 20%
Insurance $48,637 $23.0 15%
Business Services $46,522 $22.0 10%

Cafeteria Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cafeteria Cook's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$38,164
Average $42,293/year
$47,378
$3,180
Average $3,524/month
$3,948
$734
Average $813/week
$911
$18
Average $20/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $47,378 $3,948 $911 $23
Average $42,293 $3,524 $813 $20
25th Percentile $38,164 $3,180 $734 $18

Find Your Next Cafeteria Cook Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cafeteria Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Hilton Hotels | Dana Point, CA

    Cook III Cafeteria

    Hilton Hotels | Dana Point, CA

    Hilton Hotels - - Responsibilities: Prepare high-quality dishes according to designated recipes and quality standards. Delight guests by preparing guest or... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Rosewood Hotel Group | Santa Barbara, CA

    Cafeteria

    Rosewood Hotel Group | Santa Barbara, CA

    Cook II. Rosewood Miramar Beach, a Rosewood Hotel, is looking for a multi-talented Cook II for 1759 Cafe. The Cook II is responsible for prep, set up and p... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Lamont Elementary School District | Lamont, CA

    Lead Cook

    Lamont Elementary School District | Lamont, CA

    Job Title. Under general supervision to be responsible for the preparation of meals in a production kitchen. to promote nutrition education. to assist in t... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Caesars Entertainment | South Lake Tahoe, CA

    Cook II

    Caesars Entertainment | South Lake Tahoe, CA

    Cook II. The Cook II in the Employee Cafeteria is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals for team members in a fast-paced, hi... more

    11 Days Ago

  • Rosewood Hotels | Montecito, CA

    Cafe

    Rosewood Hotels | Montecito, CA

    Rosewood Hotels - - Responsibilities: Prepare hot menu items and sauces following recipes and yield guides. Set up and maintain a clean, organized work sta... more

    11 Days Ago

  • ARAMARK | POLFRY, MS

    Cook

    ARAMARK | POLFRY, MS

    ARAMARK is seeking a Cook for Palmer Chiropractic College in Iowa within our Accommodation & Food Services team. The Cook prepares and cooks a variety of m... more

    7 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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