Cook Salary in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
The average base salary for a Cook in the United States is a month or $36,060 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The average hourly wage for a Cook is $17.34.
Average Cook Base Salary:
How Much Does a Cook Make in the United States?
Some Cooks may earn as little as $26,980 annually, placing them at the 10th percentile, while others might earn as much as $46,420 per year, positioning them at the 90th percentile of all Cook earners.
[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
In simpler terms, if you find yourself in the 90th percentile, you earn more than 90% of all the Cooks in the United States. A salary of $46,420 would classify you among the top 10% of earners in this profession.
Conversely, being in the 10th percentile implies that you earn less than 90% of all Cooks. Therefore, with an income of $26,980, you would fall within the bottom 10% of earners among Cooks.
Annual Mean Wage of Cooks by State
The map below offers insights into the varying salaries of Cooks throughout the U.S.
Explore each state to understand the differences and gain a deeper understanding of the disparities in earning potential among Cooks within the hospitality sector.
[Source: BLS]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
Factors That Affect Average Cook Salary
Several factors influence the average salary of Cooks, including:
Experience and Skill Level
Cooks who have spent years perfecting their craft and mastering various culinary techniques tend to command higher salaries than those who are just starting in the profession or have less expertise.
Furthermore, highly skilled Cooks often specialize in specific cuisines, cooking methods or dietary preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free cooking. This expertise can make them sought-after professionals in the industry, leading to increased demand and higher salaries.
Location
Salaries can vary significantly based on geographic location, with Cooks in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living generally earning more than those in rural or less developed areas.
Type of Industry
Cooks working in industries such as fine dining, hospitality, or catering often earn higher salaries compared to those in fast food chains, institutional kitchens or casual dining establishments.
Browse the chart below to discover the top-paying industries for Cooks in the U.S.
[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Education and Training
Formal culinary education or specialized training can positively affect a Cook’s earning potential.
Engaging in structured educational programs, such as culinary schools or apprenticeships, equips Cooks with a comprehensive understanding of culinary principles, techniques and industry standards.
Moreover, specialized training in niche areas of the culinary arts, such as pastry making or international cuisine, can distinguish a Cook in a competitive job market.
Certification or accreditation from culinary associations can put a higher value on Cooks’ earnings.
Some of the industry-recognized certifications for Cooks include:
- Certified Food Manager (CFM) provided by the International Food Service Executives Association
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) provided by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS)
- Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) provided by American Culinary Federation, Inc.
- Food Safety Manager Certification provided by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) provided by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP)
The Scope of Responsibilities
The level of responsibility can also impact a Cook’s salary. Head Chefs or Sous Chefs, who oversee kitchen operations and manage staff, typically earn more than Line Cooks or Prep Cooks.
Cook Salary in Major US Cities
Among the following four major U.S. cities, Los Angeles is the top-paying one for Cooks followed by New York, Chicago and Miami.
Annual mean wage
$36,380
# of employees
35,210
Annual mean wage
$42,460
# of employees
67,980
Annual mean wage
$38,030
# of employees
41,870
Annual mean wage
$42,900
# of employees
51,320
[Source: BLS]
High-Paying Cities for Cooks
| City | Avg Salary | Avg Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| NYC, NY | 42,460 | 20.41 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 42,900 | 20.63 |
| Chicago, IL | 38,030 | 18.28 |
| Miami, FL | 36,380 | 17.49 |
Average Cook Salary by State
Below is a comprehensive list of Cook salaries across the United States, categorized by state.
By examining these variations, culinary professionals can develop a better understanding of how geographic locations and economic factors, such as labor market conditions, inflation and government policies, influence the compensation levels for Cooks nationwide.
| State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $45,060 |
| Washington | $44,410 |
| Massachusetts | $43,420 |
| California | $42,650 |
| Vermont | $42,390 |
| New York | $41,950 |
| District of Columbia | $41,570 |
| Maine | $41,060 |
| Colorado | $40,760 |
| Alaska | $39,940 |
| New Jersey | $39,600 |
| Rhode Island | $39,350 |
| New Hampshire | $39,310 |
| Arizona | $39,070 |
| Nevada | $38,930 |
| Connecticut | $38,540 |
| Oregon | $38,000 |
| Minnesota | $37,890 |
| Maryland | $37,190 |
| Illinois | $36,900 |
| Utah | $36,440 |
| Wisconsin | $35,240 |
| Florida | $35,190 |
| Montana | $35,010 |
| North Dakota | $34,920 |
| Nebraska | $34,720 |
| Michigan | $34,660 |
| Virginia | $34,600 |
| Wyoming | $34,340 |
| Missouri | $34,000 |
| Delaware | $33,990 |
| North Carolina | $33,550 |
| South Dakota | $33,420 |
| Tennessee | $33,290 |
| South Carolina | $32,770 |
| Pennsylvania | $32,560 |
| Iowa | $32,470 |
| Kansas | $32,280 |
| Indiana | $32,070 |
| Ohio | $32,070 |
| Idaho | $31,790 |
| New Mexico | $31,790 |
| Texas | $31,510 |
| Georgia | $30,990 |
| Kentucky | $30,880 |
| Oklahoma | $30,820 |
| Alabama | $30,060 |
| Arkansas | $30,000 |
| Louisiana | $29,270 |
| Mississippi | $29,010 |
| West Virginia | $28,090 |
Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks for Cooks
Non-monetary benefits and perks for Cooks can play a significant role in job satisfaction and overall well-being. Here are several examples:
Flexible Scheduling
Having flexible work hours or being able to adjust your schedule to fit your needs can be a game-changer.
Whether you’re balancing family responsibilities or pursuing further education, having flexibility can make your life a lot easier. It allows you to better manage your time and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Professional Development Opportunities
If the establishment you work for provides you with additional certification opportunities or skills enhancement workshops, you can continue to sharpen your skills and advance in your career.
This will help you feel appreciated and valued as you will be supported on your career journey.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Access to health, dental and life insurance, wellness programs or gym memberships can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and take care of yourself both physically and mentally.
It ensures that you can perform at your best and avoid burnout in a demanding hospitality industry.
Paid Time Off
According to Forbes, only 43% of hospitality workers have access to paid time off. Having paid vacation days, sick leave or personal days ensures you have time to recharge, relax and come back to work feeling refreshed and motivated.
[Source: Forbes]
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It’s essential for preventing burnout and maintaining long-term job satisfaction.
Team Building Activities
Team-building events, staff outings or social gatherings outside of work hours foster a sense of belonging and strengthen team unity.
It promotes collaboration, communication and mutual support within the kitchen environment.
Top 5 Skills Needed for Cooks
Here are the top five skills to have as a Cook:
- Culinary expertise: Cooks should have a strong foundation in culinary techniques, food preparation methods and recipe execution to produce high-quality dishes consistently.
- Time management: Cooks must be adept at managing their time efficiently, especially in fast-paced kitchen environments where multiple orders need to be prepared simultaneously.
- Attention to detail: Precision and attention to detail are crucial for ensuring that dishes are prepared correctly, with the right ingredients, proportions and presentation.
- Adaptability: Cooks should be able to adapt to changing circumstances, such as fluctuating customer demands or menu changes as it is a common occurrence in the restaurant kitchen settings.
- Teamwork: Collaboration and effective communication with other kitchen staff are vital for ensuring smooth kitchen operations and timely delivery of orders.
Education Requirements for Cooks
According to a survey conducted by the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), 44% of respondents indicated that Cooks need to have a Bachelor’s degree to perform a job. Find out how much education you need to perform a Cook job by exploring the pie chart below.
[Source: O*NET]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
How Much Do Similar Careers to a Cook Get Paid?
Cooks earn more than Food Runners but less than Sous Chefs and Waiters/Waitresses.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Food Runner | |
| Waiter/Waitress | |
| Sous Chef |
Cook Career Progression
As you gain more cooking experience and demonstrate proficiency in your culinary skills, you can advance to positions of greater responsibility in the kitchen. This could include roles such as Sous Chef, Head Chef, Kitchen Manager and beyond.
Cook
Junior Chef
Sous Chef
Head Chef
Executive Chef
Head Cook
Souse Chef
Kitchen Manager
Restaurant General Manager
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks
As a Cook, it could be beneficial to know your state’s minimum wage, overtime pay and leave policies.
Check out the guides below or view more labor laws:
- New York Labor Law Guide
- Illinois Labor Law Guide
- California Labor Law Guide
- Florida Labor Law Guide
To easily calculate federal, state and local taxes in your state, use our free Paycheck Calculator.
Cook Salary FAQs
Whether or not Cooks receive largely depends on the establishment and location. In settings like open kitchens or upscale restaurants, it’s typical for Cooks to get a portion of the tips.
However, how tips are distributed for Cooks is notably different from Servers or Bartenders. While Servers and Bartenders usually get direct tips from customers, Cooks might be part of a pooled tip system where tips are divided among staff.
Alternatively, they might receive a percentage of the total tips based on factors such as hours worked or kitchen performance.
To potentially earn a higher salary as a Cook, consider the following strategies:
- Gain experience: Building a solid foundation of experience in various culinary settings can make you more valuable to employers. Seek opportunities to work in different types of kitchens and cuisines to expand your skill set.
- Specialize: Developing expertise in a specific culinary field, such as pastry, seafood or regional cuisine, can set you apart from other Cooks and justify a higher salary due to your specialized knowledge.
- Continue education: Pursuing additional culinary education or certifications can demonstrate your commitment to advancing your skills and may lead to higher-paying job opportunities.
- Seek leadership roles: Pursue positions with increased responsibilities, such as Sous Chef or Head Chef, where you can oversee kitchen operations and lead a team. These roles often come with higher salaries.
- Research market rates: Stay informed about salary trends in the culinary industry by researching average pay rates for Cooks in your area. Use this information to negotiate for a higher salary during job interviews or performance evaluations.
- Network: Build connections within the culinary community by attending industry events, joining professional organizations and connecting with Chefs and restaurant owners. Networking can lead to job opportunities and potential salary advancements.
- Demonstrate value: Showcase your skills, reliability and creativity in the kitchen to demonstrate your value to employers. Consistently producing high-quality dishes and contributing to the overall success of the restaurant can position you for salary increases and promotions.
- Consider location: Explore job opportunities in areas with a high demand for Cooks or a higher cost of living, as these locations may offer higher salaries to attract talent.
Whether Cooks are paid for overtime depends on various factors, including their employment status, the labor laws in their jurisdiction, and the employer policies.
Here are the overtime policies based on the employment type:
- Hourly employees: Cooks who are classified as hourly employees are typically entitled to overtime pay for hours worked beyond a certain threshold set by labor laws (40 hours per week). Overtime pay is typically set at one and a half times the regular hourly rate, although it varies from state to state.
- Salaried employees: Most salaried Cooks are entitled to overtime pay, unless they are exempt by meeting certain criteria, such as performing managerial duties or earning above a certain salary threshold.
- Unionized employees: Cooks who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by a labor union may have specific provisions regarding overtime pay outlined in their contract. These provisions may include higher overtime rates or additional protections for overtime work.
