Cook Salary in Sacramento, CA
Cooks in Sacramento, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $20.06 per hour, which translates to about $802.40 per week, $3,477.07 per month, and $41,724.80 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Sacramento is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting positive job growth and a healthy market for culinary professionals in the region.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Sacramento, CA?
The salary of a Cook in Sacramento can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.06 | $802.40 | $3,477.07 | $41,724.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.30 | $1,252.00 | $5,416.67 | $64,992.00 |
Do Cooks in Sacramento Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily kitchen-based and not customer-facing. Their earnings mainly come from their base salary or hourly wage without additional tip income.
Cook Salary in Sacramento vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of about $16.05 per hour, which translates to approximately $33,384 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Sacramento earn more, with an average hourly rate of $20.06 and annual earnings of about $41,724.80.
This higher salary reflects Sacramento's growing culinary industry and living costs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Sacramento for Cooks
Within the Sacramento metropolitan area, salary variations exist with some neighborhoods offering higher pay rates.
- Downtown Sacramento: $22.00 per hour
- Midtown Sacramento: $21.50 per hour
Cooks working in Downtown Sacramento can expect higher wages compared to other nearby areas, reflecting the concentration of upscale dining establishments.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Sacramento?
Several key factors influence a Cook's salary in Sacramento:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks or those with specialized culinary skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in high-end restaurants or hotels often provides better pay than fast-food or casual dining venues.
- Certifications: Food safety certifications like ServSafe can improve employment opportunities and salary prospects.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may come with shift differentials that boost overall pay.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: Sacramento's growing food scene and living expenses influence higher wage rates compared to less competitive markets.
How To Become a Cook in Sacramento
To build a career as a Cook in Sacramento, consider the following steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Education: Programs such as the American River College Culinary Arts Program and Sacramento City College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in culinary skills.
- Obtain Food Handler Certifications: Acquiring the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the California Food Handler Card is essential to comply with safety regulations.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or apprenticeships can provide hands-on experience and skill development.
- Network and Seek Opportunities: Joining culinary groups and attending local food events can help connect with potential employers.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Sacramento
Some of the most notable employers recruiting Cooks in Sacramento include:
- UC Davis Health
- Sutter Health
- Dignity Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- Sacramento State University
Establishments That Cooks in Sacramento Work At
Cooks typically find employment in a variety of food service establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer moderate wages and steady work hours.
- Fast Casual Chains: Often provide faster-paced environments with competitive pay.
- Hotels and Resorts: These establishments usually pay higher wages due to their scale and diverse menus.
- Catering Companies: Can offer variable wages depending on event frequency and size.
The type of establishment significantly influences salary, with fine dining and hotels generally providing higher compensation than fast food venues.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Sacramento for Cooks
If you are interested in careers related to Cook, several other roles in the hospitality industry offer similar skills and growth potential.
These include Line Cook, Chef de Partie, and Kitchen Supervisor positions, which involve similar culinary skills and come with varied salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Sacramento
Cooks should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax regulations applicable to their employment.
- Review federal labor regulations at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California state labor laws and workplace regulations are detailed on the California Department of Industrial Relations site.
- Local city ordinances and additional resources can be found at the City of Sacramento official website.