salary$37,800 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Bakersfield-Delano, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$35,050per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,140per year
Jobs in the area2,100people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Bakersfield?
Expensive. Rent of $2,018 a month takes 64.1% of the median restaurant cook salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Restaurant Cook pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Bakersfield, CA?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Bakersfield-Delano, CA area is $37,800 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $35,050 and $46,140.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Bakersfield?
Typical rent of $2,018 a month takes 64.1% of the median restaurant cook salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metro area.