Cook Salary in Birmingham, AL
Cooks in Birmingham, AL, in 2025, earn approximately $13.36 per hour, which translates to about $534.40 per week, $2,315.73 per month, and $27,788.80 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Birmingham is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the culinary industry in this region.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Birmingham, AL?
The salary of a Cook in Birmingham can vary depending on experience and type of employer. Below is a breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,438.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Cooks in Birmingham Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work mainly takes place behind the scenes, focused on food preparation and cooking rather than direct customer interaction. Their income primarily relies on salary or wages.
Cook Salary in Birmingham vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn about $16.10 per hour and an annual salary of approximately $33,488.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Birmingham earn less per hour at $13.36 and have a lower annual salary of $27,788.80. This difference reflects the local cost of living and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Birmingham for Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly higher pay rates for Cooks, such as:
- Downtown Birmingham: $15.50 per hour
- Mountain Brook: $17.60 per hour
Cooks looking for higher wages might consider opportunities in Mountain Brook, where pay can be considerably better than in Birmingham itself.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Birmingham?
Several key factors impact how much a Cook can earn in Birmingham:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks often command higher salaries due to refined techniques and efficiency.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale or specialty restaurants tends to offer better pay than fast food or casual dining.
- Specialized Skills: Knowledge of particular cuisines or advanced culinary skills can increase earning potential.
- Shift Timing: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays might come with shift differentials adding to income.
- Certifications: Professional food safety and culinary certifications can boost employability and wages.
How To Become a Cook in Birmingham
Starting and advancing a career as a Cook in Birmingham involves several practical steps:
- Education and Training: Enroll in culinary arts programs such as those offered by Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute or Lawson State Community College Culinary Arts Program, which provide hands-on training and industry certifications.
- Obtain Certifications: Acquiring the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of food safety practices. If working in establishments serving alcohol, the Alabama Alcohol Server Certification is often required.
- Gain Practical Experience: Many Cooks start in entry-level kitchen roles or as prep cooks, gradually developing skills and responsibility.
- Networking: Engaging with local culinary communities and seeking internships or apprenticeships can lead to better job opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Birmingham
Several prominent employers actively hire Cooks in Birmingham, including:
- UAB Medicine
- First Watch
- Brookdale Senior Living
Establishments That Cooks in Birmingham Work At
Cooks in Birmingham typically find work in a variety of settings, including:
- Casual Restaurants: These offer steady schedules with moderate wages.
- Fast-Casual Outlets: These generally have faster-paced environments with similar pay to casual spots.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often pay higher wages to experienced and skilled Cooks due to the culinary standards required.
- Healthcare Facilities and Senior Living: Onsite kitchens in places like UAB Medicine and Brookdale Senior Living provide employment opportunities with benefits.
The type of employer and establishment size significantly affects a Cook’s salary and career growth potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Birmingham for Cooks
If you are interested in roles related to Cook, you might explore similar positions that require culinary skills and offer distinct opportunities.
These include Line Cook, Commis Chef, and Head Chef, which entail varying levels of responsibility and skill within the culinary field.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Birmingham
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is important for Cooks to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- For state-specific information, visit the State of Alabama's official website which provides resources on labor regulations and services.
- For federal labor laws, the U.S. Department of Labor website offers comprehensive employment information including wage and hour laws.