Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$42,200$20.29 per hour · $3,517 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Cooks, Restaurant Wage Percentiles in Modesto, CA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $16.78/hr | $2,908 | $34,900 | $29,843 |
| 25th Percentile | $17.45/hr | $3,025 | $36,300 | $30,912 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $20.29/hr | $3,517 | $42,200 | $35,417 |
| 75th Percentile | $21.39/hr | $3,708 | $44,500 | $37,173 |
| 90th Percentile | $25.14/hr | $4,358 | $52,300 | $43,026 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Modesto, CA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$42,200 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare restaurant cooks salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks, Restaurant Pay in Modesto, CA
What is the median salary for restaurant cooks in Modesto, CA?
The official BLS median annual wage for restaurant cooks in Modesto, CA is $42,200, which equates to approximately $3,517 per month or $20.29 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for restaurant cooks in Modesto, CA?
The median hourly wage for restaurant cooks in Modesto, CA is $20.29 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $16.78/hour and one in ten earned more than $25.14/hour.
What is the pay range for restaurant cooks in Modesto, CA?
BLS wage estimates for restaurant cooks in Modesto, CA span from $34,900 at the 10th percentile to $36,300 at the 25th, $44,500 at the 75th, and $52,300 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do restaurant cooks take home after taxes in Modesto, CA?
On a median gross salary of $42,200, an estimated $35,417 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,362 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in California in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $6,783 (an effective rate of 16.1%).
How much do restaurant cooks make per month in Modesto, CA?
On the median annual salary of $42,200, gross monthly income is $3,517. After federal, FICA, and California state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,951 per month (or $1,362 every two weeks).
Is $42,200 a good salary in Modesto, CA?
At $42,200, the median salary for restaurant cooks is 51.8% of the Modesto, CA median household income ($81,468). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 104.1, making regional consumer goods and services 4.1% more expensive than the U.S. average.