What is the median salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in San Diego, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in the San Diego metropolitan area is $66,560.

Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The San Diego metro median is -0.3% versus the California state median of $66,780.

How does San Diego compare to the national median for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The San Diego metro median is +9.8% versus the BLS national figure of $60,610.

What is the salary range for Chefs and Head Cooks in San Diego?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $46,860 and the 90th-percentile at $98,680 for the San Diego metro area.

What education is required for Chefs and Head Cooks?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in San Diego, California

Median annual$66,560

Mean annual$71,720

Range (10th to 90th)$46,860 to $98,680

San Diego, California employment2,600

State vs national+9.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego chefs and head cooks fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $55,130 and $79,730, with a median of $66,560.

Typical entry

Education
High school diploma
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Food Production
Knowledge
4.7 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
4.1 / 5
Production and Processing
Knowledge
4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
4.0 / 5
Coordination
Technical
4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
4.0 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
02
Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
03
Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
04
Check the quantity and quality of received products.
05
Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
06
Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.
07
Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
08
Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for chefs and head cooks.

San Jose$78,050
San Francisco$71,600
Los Angeles$66,860
Sacramento$63,930
Riverside$62,710

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in San Diego, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in the San Diego metropolitan area is $66,560.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Chefs and Head Cooks?: The San Diego metro median is -0.3% versus the California state median of $66,780.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Chefs and Head Cooks?: The San Diego metro median is +9.8% versus the BLS national figure of $60,610.
What is the salary range for Chefs and Head Cooks in San Diego?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $46,860 and the 90th-percentile at $98,680 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Chefs and Head Cooks?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.