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Cook Cost Estimates, Simplified – Whether You’re Hiring or Offering!
As of December 2025, based on Sulekha data, the average starting cost of a cook in La Mesa, CA is $21.82 per hour. The weekly rate for a cook working a 40-hour week is $902 and the monthly cost is approximately $3606 for 130 hours of work.
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Hiring a personal cook depends on factors like their culinary expertise, specialized diets, and meal frequency (daily, weekly, or occasional events). In 2024, the national average cost for hiring a cook is approximately $21.82 per hour.
Personal cooks may work flexible schedules, such as preparing meals for events or daily family needs. Full-time cooks may be offered benefits like free meals, housing allowances, or bonuses during festive seasons.
| City | Minimum (avg) | Maximum (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana, CA | $18.17/hr | $25.21/hr |
| Los Gatos, CA | $12.68/hr | $27.75/hr |
| Newark, CA | $21.39/hr | $30.24/hr |
| San Jose, CA | $12.39/hr | $27.24/hr |
| San Diego, CA | $18.39/hr | $25.24/hr |
| Chino Hills, CA | $18.12/hr | $20.96/hr |
| South San Francisco, CA | $22.17/hr | $30.21/hr |
| Manteca, CA | $12.17/hr | $27.21/hr |
| Redondo Beach, CA | $22.41/hr | $24.24/hr |
| Walnut Creek, CA | $12.39/hr | $27.24/hr |
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Cooking services can be more affordable in some areas. Rates often depend on local demand, competition, and the complexity of the required services.
| City | Minimum (avg) | Maximum (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Milpitas, CA | $12.39/hr | $27.24/hr |
| San Jose, CA | $12.39/hr | $27.24/hr |
| Los Gatos, CA | $12.68/hr | $27.75/hr |
| Richmond, CA | $13.34/hr | $27.99/hr |
| Norwalk, CA | $17.68/hr | $20.67/hr |
| Tracy, CA | $18.17/hr | $22.21/hr |
| Encino, CA | $18.68/hr | $25.75/hr |
| Union City, CA | $20.17/hr | $24.21/hr |
| La Palma, CA | $20.17/hr | $23.21/hr |
| Dublin, CA | $20.97/hr | $24.81/hr |
In other areas, cook rates may be higher due to factors like a higher cost of living, specialized dietary needs, or the requirement for flexible schedules or additional skills. These factors are important to evaluate when hiring a cook.
| City | Minimum (avg) | Maximum (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Redondo Beach, CA | $22.41/hr | $24.24/hr |
| San Ramon, CA | $22.17/hr | $24.21/hr |
| Livermore, CA | $19.17/hr | $22.21/hr |
| Bakersfield, CA | $18.17/hr | $25.21/hr |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $13.41/hr | $28.24/hr |
| Campbell, CA | $13.19/hr | $27.84/hr |
| Palo Alto, CA | $12.97/hr | $27.81/hr |
| Fresno, CA | $12.39/hr | $27.24/hr |
| Delhi, CA | $12.39/hr | $27.24/hr |
| Lathrop, CA | $12.17/hr | $27.21/hr |
When hiring a cook, it’s essential to approach the process thoughtfully to ensure you find the right fit for your family while staying within your budget. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this journey: