Prep Cook Salary in San Mateo, CA
Prep Cooks in San Mateo, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $21.69 per hour, which translates to about $867.60 per week, $3,759.60 per month, and $45,115.20 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in San Mateo is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a promising market for culinary support roles and kitchen assistance in the region.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in San Mateo, CA?
The salary of a Prep Cook in San Mateo can vary depending on experience and employer. Here is a breakdown of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.69 | $747.60 | $3,230.40 | $38,764.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.69 | $867.60 | $3,759.60 | $45,115.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.17 | $1,006.80 | $4,356.80 | $52,353.60 |
Do Prep Cooks in San Mateo Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as they primarily work behind the scenes preparing ingredients and assisting chefs, rather than directly serving customers. Their income mainly comes from their hourly wage or salary.
Prep Cook Salary in San Mateo vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $16.56 per hour, which translates to approximately $34,444.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in San Mateo earn notably more, at an average of $21.69 per hour and $45,115.20 annually, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Mateo for Prep Cooks
Nearby localities offer slightly different pay rates for Prep Cooks:
- Downtown San Mateo: $22.50 per hour
- Baywood-Aragon: $23.00 per hour
Baywood-Aragon offers the highest pay nearby, so Prep Cooks willing to commute or work there may benefit from increased earning potential.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in San Mateo?
Several factors can influence how much a Prep Cook earns in San Mateo:
- Experience and Skills: Those with more culinary experience or proficiency in advanced kitchen tasks typically command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Prep Cooks employed in upscale or specialty restaurants often receive better pay compared to those in fast food or casual dining.
- Certifications: Holding food safety or culinary certifications can enhance salary opportunities.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts might include shift differentials that increase earnings.
- Local Economic Factors: The cost of living and local demand for culinary professionals in the San Mateo area contribute to salary levels.
How To Become a Prep Cook in San Mateo
Becoming a Prep Cook in San Mateo generally involves a combination of practical skills and some formal knowledge. Here are a few steps to get started:
- Gain Basic Culinary Training: Consider programs at the San Francisco Baking Institute, which offers workshops and professional training, or The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, providing associate degrees and certificates in culinary arts.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required and very helpful for working in kitchens safely and legally.
- Earn Culinary Credentials: Entry-level certifications such as the Certified Culinarian (CC) validate fundamental culinary knowledge and can boost job prospects.
- Get Hands-On Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles or internships can provide valuable practical experience.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in San Mateo
Several prominent employers in the San Mateo area actively recruit Prep Cooks, including:
- Bon Appétit
- The Cheesecake Factory
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
- Sweetgreen
Establishments That Prep Cooks in San Mateo Work At
Prep Cooks find work in a broad range of food establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer consistent hours and base pay usually aligned with entry-level culinary wages.
- Fast Casual Chains: May pay somewhat less but often provide flexible scheduling and tips in some cases.
- Upscale and Fine Dining: Typically provide higher wages to skilled Prep Cooks and may offer more opportunities for career growth.
- Catering and Hotels: These can sometimes offer higher pay due to the scale and complexity of food preparation.
The type of establishment directly affects salary, work environment, and advancement possibilities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Mateo for Prep Cooks
If you are exploring careers related to Prep Cook, consider these similar hospitality roles that require culinary skills:
These include Line Cook, Pastry Cook, and Prep Cook roles, offering pathways within the culinary field across different skill levels and kitchen settings.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in San Mateo
Prep Cooks should be familiar with relevant labor laws and tax requirements to ensure fair and lawful employment:
- For comprehensive details on federal labor laws and employment rights, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The California Department of Industrial Relations provides state-specific labor regulations and workplace information at the California DIR website.
- For local resources and guidance, San Mateo County’s official site at smcgov.org offers helpful information.