salary$37,980 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Chico, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$35,410per year
Top pay (top 10%)$45,740per year
Jobs in the area600people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Chico?
Expensive. Rent of $1,675 a month takes 52.9% 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 Chico, CA?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Chico, CA area is $37,980 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $35,410 and $45,740.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Chico?
Typical rent of $1,675 a month takes 52.9% 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 Chico, CA metro area.