salary$44,930 a year$22 an hour · median pay in the Salinas, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$37,150per year
Top pay (top 10%)$57,980per year
Jobs in the area1,910people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Salinas?
Expensive. Rent of $2,412 a month takes 64.4% 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 Salinas, CA?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Salinas, CA area is $44,930 a year ($22 an hour). Most earn between $37,150 and $57,980.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Salinas?
Typical rent of $2,412 a month takes 64.4% 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 Salinas, CA metro area.