Cook Salary in Hayward, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Cook make in Hayward, CA?

The average salary for a Cook is $40,952 per year in Hayward, CA.

In Hayward, California, Cooks can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average annual salary for a Cook in this area is around $40,952. This figure reflects the range of salaries from entry-level to more experienced positions.

Cooks in Hayward can earn between $34,000 and $51,000 annually. Factors such as experience, the type of establishment, and specific skills can influence these earnings. For instance, those working in high-end restaurants or with specialized skills may earn more. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary range, with opportunities for growth as experience is gained.

Cook jobs in Hayward, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Cook near Hayward, CA?

Cooks near Hayward, CA, can find high-paying opportunities in nearby cities. San Francisco offers the highest average salary at $49,679. Palo Alto and Santa Clara also provide competitive wages, with averages of $48,530 and $47,349, respectively. These cities offer attractive options for job seekers looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Hayward, CA, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $49,679 and Oakland, CA with the lowest at $43,418.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $49,679
    In San Francisco, culinary excellence is key. Cooks work in high-end restaurants and tech company cafeterias. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $48,530
    Palo Alto offers a vibrant food scene. Cooks here prepare meals for both local restaurants and corporate dining. Companies such as Facebook and Hewlett Packard are prominent employers.
    Find Cook jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $47,349
    Santa Clara has a diverse culinary environment. Cooks can find jobs in family-owned eateries and large tech firms. Apple and Intel are major employers in the area.
    Find Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $46,895
    Mountain View is known for its tech-driven dining options. Cooks here prepare meals for employees at companies like Google. The city offers a mix of casual and upscale dining experiences.
    Find Cook jobs in Mountain View, CA


  5. Berkeley, CA
    Average Salary: $46,639
    Berkeley's food culture is rich and varied. Cooks work in a range of settings, from university dining halls to trendy cafes. The city's progressive vibe adds to the culinary experience.
    Find Cook jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $44,533
    Sunnyvale offers a dynamic food scene with many tech companies. Cooks here cater to a diverse workforce. Companies like VMware and eBay provide numerous job opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $44,473
    San Jose has a bustling food industry. Cooks can find jobs in restaurants, hotels, and tech company cafeterias. Companies like Cisco and Adobe are major employers.
    Find Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Saratoga, CA
    Average Salary: $44,407
    Saratoga offers a charming dining scene. Cooks here work in local restaurants and country clubs. The town's relaxed atmosphere makes for a pleasant work environment.
    Find Cook jobs in Saratoga, CA


  9. Richmond, CA
    Average Salary: $43,431
    Richmond has a diverse culinary landscape. Cooks work in a variety of settings, from family-owned restaurants to larger dining establishments. The city's cultural diversity enriches the food scene.
    Find Cook jobs in Richmond, CA


  10. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $43,418
    Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse. Cooks here prepare meals in a range of settings, from trendy cafes to established restaurants. The city's progressive culture adds to its unique culinary experience.
    Find Cook jobs in Oakland, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Cook in Hayward, CA?

Cooks in Hayward, CA, can find good pay at Chartwells Higher Education, with an average salary of $42,800. Denny's offers a competitive salary of $42,594. Progressive Health Care Centers provides a solid income of $37,150. These companies value their culinary staff and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Hayward, CA, highlighting Chartwells Higher Education with the highest at $42,800 and Windsor Care Centers with the lowest at $35,830.
  1. Chartwells Higher Education
    Average Salary: $42,800
    Chartwells Higher Education offers Cook positions in Hayward, CA. They focus on providing meals for students and staff. This company operates on many college campuses.


  2. Denny's
    Average Salary: $42,594
    Denny's has Cook jobs in Hayward, CA. They serve a variety of American dishes. This restaurant chain has locations across many states.


  3. Progressive Health Care Centers
    Average Salary: $37,150
    Progressive Health Care Centers offers Cook positions in Hayward, CA. They provide meals for patients and staff. This company operates in several locations.


  4. Black Bear Diner
    Average Salary: $36,900
    Black Bear Diner has Cook jobs in Hayward, CA. They offer a range of American dishes. This restaurant chain has locations in multiple states.


  5. Genuine Foods
    Average Salary: $36,667
    Genuine Foods offers Cook positions in Hayward, CA. They focus on providing meals for various institutions. This company operates in several locations.


  6. Windsor Care Centers
    Average Salary: $35,830
    Windsor Care Centers has Cook jobs in Hayward, CA. They provide meals for residents and staff. This company operates in several locations.

Currently 19,988 Cook job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Cook in the US?

Learn what a Cook does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Cook today.
Position
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Cook
19,988 Job Openings