Cook Salary in San Bernardino, CA
Cooks in San Bernardino, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $20.44 per hour, which translates to about $817.60 per week, $3,542.93 per month, and $42,515.20 per year.
The job demand for Cooks in San Bernardino is growing at a rate of 5% per year, indicating a healthy increase in employment opportunities in the region for this vital culinary position.
How Much Does a Cook Make in San Bernardino, CA?
The salary of a Cook in San Bernardino varies depending on experience and employer. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.44 | $817.60 | $3,548.27 | $42,515.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.67 | $906.80 | $3,919.73 | $47,153.60 |
Do Cooks in San Bernardino Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their role is usually behind the scenes in food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their compensation mainly derives from wages or salary.
Cook Salary in San Bernardino vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.00 per hour or about $33,280 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in San Bernardino earn more, with an average hourly wage of $20.44 and an annual salary of approximately $42,515.20. This difference may be influenced by regional cost of living and local demand for culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Bernardino for Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Cooks:
- Downtown San Bernardino: $21.50 per hour
- North San Bernardino: $22.00 per hour
Cooks working in North San Bernardino tend to receive the highest pay, reflecting demand in those localities.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in San Bernardino?
Several important factors can affect how much a Cook earns in San Bernardino:
- Experience: More experienced Cooks typically earn higher wages due to refined skills and culinary expertise.
- Skills and Specializations: Proficiency in certain cooking techniques or cuisines can enhance earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or hotels usually offers better pay compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Shift and Hours: Evening, night, or weekend shifts may offer additional compensation through shift differentials.
- Certifications: Culinary and food safety certifications can support higher salaries and career advancement.
How To Become a Cook in San Bernardino
Becoming a Cook in San Bernardino involves several steps to build skills and credentials:
- Education and Training: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at San Bernardino Valley College offer comprehensive degrees and certificates to prepare students for culinary careers.
- Specialized Training: The Baking and Pastry Arts Program at San Bernardino Valley College provides focused education for those interested in baking specialties.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtaining a ServSafe Food Handler Certification is often required to ensure knowledge of proper food safety practices.
- Professional Certification: Earning the Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can provide an entry-level professional status boosting employability.
- Gaining Practical Experience: Working as an apprentice or assistant cook helps develop hands-on skills in real kitchen environments.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in San Bernardino
Several prominent employers in San Bernardino seek qualified Cooks, including:
- San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- San Bernardino County Probation Department
Establishments That Cooks in San Bernardino Work At
Cooks in San Bernardino work in a variety of establishments such as casual dining restaurants, fast casual eateries, hotels, catered events, and institutional settings.
The type of establishment significantly influences salary; upscale restaurants and hotels generally offer better pay, while fast food and casual chains may offer lower wages but more entry-level opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Bernardino for Cooks
For those interested in roles similar to Cook, here are some related careers that share tasks or career paths.
These include Line Cook, Head Chef, and Kitchen Supervisor positions, all closely related to Cook and involving culinary skills and kitchen management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in San Bernardino
Cooks should be familiar with key labor laws and regulations that affect their employment conditions and taxes:
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for nationwide standards.
- The California state website for labor laws and workplace regulations provides specific state-level guidance.
- Local rules and updates can be found at the San Bernardino County's official website for local government information.