Cook Salary in Augusta, GA
Cooks in Augusta, GA, in 2025, earn approximately $13.08 per hour, translating to about $523.20 per week, $2,267.20 per month, and $27,206.40 per year.
The job demand for cooks in Augusta is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and expanding opportunities within the culinary and hospitality sectors.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Augusta, GA?
The salary for a Cook in Augusta, GA varies depending on experience level. Below is an overview of typical earnings by experience:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.92 | $396.80 | $1,712.53 | $20,556.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.08 | $523.20 | $2,267.20 | $27,206.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.24 | $689.60 | $2,963.47 | $35,779.20 |
Do Cooks in Augusta Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is usually behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their earnings largely come from wages or salaries rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in Augusta vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn on average about $13.08 per hour, which equals roughly $27,206.40 annually.
The average Cook salary in Augusta aligns closely with the national average, indicating that the local market is competitive with national standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Augusta for Cooks
Nearby areas that offer higher pay for Cooks include:
- Downtown Augusta: $15.50 per hour
- West Augusta: $17.60 per hour
Cooks working in West Augusta especially can expect a noticeable increase in earnings over the city average.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Augusta?
Several factors impact the earning potential of a Cook in Augusta:
- Experience Level and Tenure: More experienced Cooks often receive higher wages due to skill proficiency and reliability.
- Type of Establishment: Cooks working in fine dining or upscale restaurants may earn more compared to those in casual or fast-food settings.
- Skills and Specializations: Knowledge of particular cuisines or food preparation techniques can elevate salary.
- Shift and Hours: Working night shifts or overtime can increase total earnings.
- Local Demand: Economic factors within Augusta and surrounding areas affect job availability and pay rates.
How To Become a Cook in Augusta
Becoming a Cook in Augusta involves gaining both education and experience in the culinary field. Here are some steps you can take:
- Consider Formal Culinary Training: Institutions like Augusta Technical College Culinary Arts Program and Helms College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive education including hands-on kitchen experience.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure important knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Pursue Culinary Credentials: The Certified Culinarian (CC) Credential from the American Culinary Federation is a good way to validate skills.
- Gain Practical Experience: Many Cooks start through entry-level positions such as prep cook or kitchen assistant and learn on the job.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Augusta
Key employers actively seeking Cook positions in Augusta include:
- Topgolf
- Augusta National Golf Club
- Olive Garden
Establishments That Cooks in Augusta Work At
Cooks in Augusta can be found working in a wide range of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer steady work and potentially tips for some staff, though Cooks mainly rely on wages.
- Fast Casual and Quick-Service Restaurants: Positions here can offer frequent hours but often pay less compared to fine dining.
- Hotels and Golf Clubs: Large hospitality venues such as Augusta National Golf Club often pay higher salaries and provide benefits.
- Catering and Event Services: Flexibility and varied work environments characterize these roles, sometimes with premium pay for special events.
Salary levels can vary significantly based on the prestige and scale of the establishment and its clientele.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Augusta for Cooks
If you are exploring other opportunities in the culinary field similar to Cook, here are some related careers:
These include Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie, which involve culinary preparation and kitchen management roles with different responsibilities and pay ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Augusta
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is crucial for Cooks to ensure proper employment rights and financial compliance.
- Federal labor laws and employment information are available at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State-specific labor resources for Georgia can be found on the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- Local employment regulations and government resources for Augusta are accessible on the official Augusta city website.