Cook Salary in Simi-Valley, CA
Cooks in Simi-Valley, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $18.50 per hour, which translates to about $740.00 per week, $3,206.67 per month, and $38,480.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Simi-Valley is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding job market within the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Simi-Valley, CA?
The salary of a Cook in Simi-Valley varies depending on experience and skill level. Here is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience:
| 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) | $18.50 | $740.00 | $3,206.67 | $38,480.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.00 | $920.00 | $3,966.67 | $47,840.00 |
Do Cooks in Simi-Valley Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as they work behind the scenes preparing food rather than serving customers directly. Their earnings come primarily from their wages or salaries.
Cook Salary in Simi-Valley vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn about $14.50 per hour, which equals roughly $30,160 per year. Compared to the national average, Cooks in Simi-Valley enjoy higher hourly and yearly wages, likely due to local living costs and demand for skilled culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Simi-Valley for Cooks
Nearby areas vary in Cook salaries as follows:
- Wood Ranch: $19.00 per hour
- Central Simi Valley: $18.00 per hour
Wood Ranch offers the highest hourly pay among these local regions, presenting potential opportunities for Cooks seeking better compensation nearby.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Simi-Valley?
Several factors impact how much a Cook earns in Simi-Valley:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with advanced culinary skills generally command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants tend to pay more than casual or fast-casual venues.
- Specific Culinary Expertise: Specializing in certain cuisines or techniques can boost earning potential.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may include differential pay.
- Local Market Demand: Growing restaurant scenes and hospitality sectors can increase wages due to competition for skilled labor.
How To Become a Cook in Simi-Valley
Beginning a career as a Cook in Simi-Valley can be approached through several practical steps:
- Formal Training Programs: Enroll in culinary programs such as the Moorpark College Culinary Arts Program, which offers hands-on training in cooking techniques and kitchen management.
- Culinary Education Nearby: Los Angeles Mission College Culinary Arts Institute provides foundational and advanced culinary skills, preparing students for roles across the industry.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtaining the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is highly recommended as it verifies knowledge of safe food handling practices, often required by California employers.
- Industry Certification: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can validate professional expertise and improve job prospects.
- Practical Experience: Seek entry-level positions such as kitchen assistant or prep cook to gain valuable hands-on experience and advance in your career.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Simi-Valley
Several prominent employers in Simi-Valley actively hire Cooks, including:
- Market Broiler
- Oakmont Senior Living
- Chili's
- Ken of Japan
Establishments That Cooks in Simi-Valley Work At
Cooks can be found working in a variety of establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide steady schedules with moderate pay, ideal for entry-level or mid-skilled Cooks.
- Fast Casual Venues: Generally offer faster-paced environments with competitive wages but sometimes limited growth.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Tend to offer the highest salaries due to specialized skills and experience required.
- Senior Living Communities and Catering Services: Provide stable employment opportunities and may include benefits not always available in other foodservice settings.
The type and prestige of the establishment directly affect salary levels, with fine dining and upscale venues typically paying more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Simi-Valley for Cooks
If you are interested in careers similar to Cook, consider these related roles which share skills and offer alternative career paths:
These include Line Cook, Head Chef, and Commis Chef positions, all of which involve culinary preparation but with varying responsibilities and salary scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Simi-Valley
Cooks in Simi-Valley must comply with both federal and state labor regulations while managing income reporting and tax obligations.
- For California-specific labor laws and regulations, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- The Employment Development Department offers information on state employment services and benefits.
- Federal labor laws and resources are available at the U.S. Department of Labor.