Cook Cook Salary in Lakewood, CA

Cook Salary in Lakewood, CA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Cook make in Lakewood, CA?

The average salary for a Cook is $40,047 per year in Lakewood, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Lakewood, CA, showing an average salary of $40,047 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Lakewood, CA, showing an average salary of $3,337 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Lakewood, CA, showing an average salary of $770 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Lakewood, CA, showing an average salary of $19 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cooks in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $40,047. This figure provides a good starting point for those considering a career in this field. The salary range varies, giving job seekers a sense of what to expect at different points in their career.

The distribution of salaries shows that the majority of Cooks earn between $37,273 and $43,636 per year. The lower end of this range accounts for 23% of all Cooks in the area, while the upper end accounts for 22%. This range offers insight into the earning potential for those at the beginning and middle of their careers. For Cooks with more experience, higher salaries are attainable, with the top 10% earning up to $50,000 annually.

Cook jobs in Lakewood, CA
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What are the highest paying cities for a Cook near Lakewood, CA?

Job seekers looking to work as cooks near Lakewood, CA, can expect better pay in nearby cities. Los Alamitos offers the highest average salary, making it an excellent location for aspiring cooks. Cooks in La Palma also enjoy a competitive salary, just slightly below Los Alamitos.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Lakewood, CA, highlighting Los Alamitos, CA with the highest at $45,395 and Paramount, CA with the lowest at $41,345.

  1. Los Alamitos, CA
    Average Salary: $45,395
    In Los Alamitos, chefs work in various settings, including local restaurants and hotels. The bustling culinary scene offers many opportunities for growth. Nearby, the Long Beach Marriott and the Hilton Garden Inn provide prominent roles for skilled cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in Los Alamitos, CA


  2. La Palma, CA
    Average Salary: $44,672
    La Palma boasts a vibrant food culture with many cafes and bistros. Cooks here can find positions that offer a cozy community feel. Local establishments like the La Palma Hotel & Spa often hire experienced cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in La Palma, CA


  3. Costa Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $43,058
    Costa Mesa is known for its diverse dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining. Cooks here benefit from a creative work environment. Companies such as The Westin South Coast Plaza provide excellent career advancement opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  4. Orange, CA
    Average Salary: $42,969
    Orange offers a mix of family-owned and chain restaurants. Cooks can enjoy a variety of cuisines and culinary styles. The city’s restaurants, including the Hilton Orange, look for skilled and passionate cooks to join their teams.
    Find Cook jobs in Orange, CA


  5. Long Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $42,837
    Long Beach's culinary scene is thriving with waterfront dining and diverse food options. Cooks can work in chic restaurants and bustling cafes. Major employers like the Hyatt Regency Long Beach often have openings for talented cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in Long Beach, CA


  6. Fullerton, CA
    Average Salary: $42,713
    Fullerton provides a range of opportunities for culinary professionals. Cooks can find jobs in casual dining and upscale restaurants. The city’s dining scene, including the DoubleTree by Hilton Fullerton, frequently hires skilled cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in Fullerton, CA


  7. Hawaiian Gardens, CA
    Average Salary: $42,062
    Hawaiian Gardens features a mix of local favorites and chain restaurants. Cooks here enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. Nearby, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers great positions for those looking to advance in their culinary careers.
    Find Cook jobs in Hawaiian Gardens, CA


  8. Garden Grove, CA
    Average Salary: $41,706
    Garden Grove offers a variety of dining options that attract many cooks. The city’s restaurants, including the Embassy Suites by Hilton, often seek skilled culinary professionals to join their teams.
    Find Cook jobs in Garden Grove, CA


  9. Santa Ana, CA
    Average Salary: $41,640
    Santa Ana's diverse food scene provides plenty of opportunities for cooks. From street food to fine dining, the city offers a variety of culinary experiences. The Hilton Santa Ana and other local hotels frequently look for talented cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  10. Paramount, CA
    Average Salary: $41,345
    Paramount features a range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining. Cooks can enjoy a dynamic work environment. The DoubleTree by Hilton Paramount often hires experienced cooks to enhance their culinary teams.
    Find Cook jobs in Paramount, CA

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

Air Culinaire Worldwide offers one of the highest salaries for Cook jobs in Lakewood, CA, with an average of $48,750. Morrison Healthcare follows closely, paying around $46,976 annually. Other top-paying companies in the area include El Pollo Loco and Red Lobster. These companies provide competitive salaries to attract and retain skilled cooks. The Flame Broiler, Inc., and American Golf Corporation also offer attractive compensation packages. Working at any of these companies can lead to a rewarding career with good pay and benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Lakewood, CA, highlighting Air Culinaire Worldwide with the highest at $48,750 and Luna Grill with the lowest at $34,389.

  1. Air Culinaire Worldwide
    Average Salary: $48,750
    Air Culinaire Worldwide offers a range of culinary services across the globe. Cook positions are available at their location in Lakewood, CA, where they serve gourmet meals in an upscale dining environment.


  2. Morrison Healthcare
    Average Salary: $46,976
    Morrison Healthcare provides food services and nutrition in various facilities. Cooks work at their Lakewood, CA, site, preparing meals for patients and staff in a healthcare setting.


  3. El Pollo Loco
    Average Salary: $41,250
    El Pollo Loco is a popular fast-casual restaurant known for its flame-grilled chicken. Cooks at their Lakewood location prepare delicious meals quickly while maintaining high quality.


  4. Red Lobster
    Average Salary: $40,750
    Red Lobster offers a family-friendly dining experience with seafood as the highlight. Cooks in Lakewood create a variety of dishes, from lobster to pasta, in a lively kitchen environment.


  5. Corner Bakery Cafe
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Corner Bakery Cafe is known for its delicious sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. Cooks at the Lakewood location focus on crafting fresh, tasty food in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.


  6. The Flame Broiler, Inc.
    Average Salary: $40,000
    The Flame Broiler, Inc. specializes in healthy, customizable meals. Cooks in Lakewood prepare meals using flame-grilled techniques, offering a variety of healthy options to customers.


  7. American Golf Corporation
    Average Salary: $39,800
    American Golf Corporation offers a range of golf services and merchandise. Cooks at their Lakewood location prepare meals for employees and visitors, providing a pleasant dining experience.


  8. California Pizza Kitchen
    Average Salary: $38,100
    California Pizza Kitchen is renowned for its artisanal pizzas and Italian cuisine. Cooks at the Lakewood location work in a fast-paced kitchen to create delicious and authentic dishes.


  9. Luna Grill
    Average Salary: $34,389
    Luna Grill offers a diverse menu with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Cooks at the Lakewood location prepare a variety of meals, focusing on quality ingredients and fresh flavors.

Currently 13,261 Cook job openings, nationwide.

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