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Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries
in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $32.23 – $35.45
Average Annual Pay
Range: $67,038 – $73,742
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks near Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Similar positions in nearby locations 100 miles
Alabama, AL
$32.20
4.8%Lower than Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Alaska, AK
$30.69
9.3%Lower than Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Arizona, AZ
$33.29
1.6%Lower than Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Arkansas, AR
$28.50
15.8%Lower than Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
California, CA
$36.02
6.4%Higher than Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make?
Your level of experience is a key factor in determining your earning potential. Here's what you can expect at different career stages:
0-2 years
Hourly Rate
$28.76/hr
Range: $27.40 - $30.13
Annual Rate
$59,832
Range: $56,982 - $62,681
3-5 years
Hourly Rate
$33.84/hr
Range: $32.23 - $35.45
Annual Rate
$70,390
Range: $67,038 - $73,742
6+ years
Hourly Rate
$38.92/hr
Range: $37.06 - $40.77
Annual Rate
$80,949
Range: $77,094 - $84,803
Chefs and Head Cooks job description
Chefs and Head Cooks professionals work in restaurants, cafes, and food service establishments to prepare and serve food and beverages. They ensure food quality, maintain cleanliness, and provide excellent customer experiences.
- •Prepare food and beverages to standards
- •Maintain food safety and hygiene
- •Serve customers and take orders
- •Clean and sanitize work areas
- •Stock supplies and ingredients
- •Work as part of a kitchen team
- •Food preparation techniques
- •Food safety and sanitation
- •Customer service
- •Speed and efficiency
- •Teamwork
- •Physical stamina
- •Food handler certification
- •Previous food service experience
- •Ability to work in fast-paced environment
- •Weekend and evening availability
