Cook Salary in Clarksville, TN
Cooks in Clarksville, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $12.34 per hour, which translates to about $493.60 per week, $2,138.93 per month, and $25,667.20 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Clarksville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive job market for culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Clarksville, TN?
The salary of a Cook in Clarksville varies by experience, with entry-level workers earning less and top earners earning more. Below is a breakdown of estimated earnings at different experience levels.
| 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 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Cooks in Clarksville Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is mostly behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their compensation usually comes solely from their hourly wage or salary.
Cook Salary in Clarksville vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Clarksville earn less, with an hourly rate of approximately $12.34 and yearly earnings around $25,667.20.
The lower pay in Clarksville is reflective of local economic conditions and cost of living differences compared to national averages.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Clarksville for Cooks
Nearby areas offer different pay scales for Cooks:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Sango: $17.60 per hour
Cooks working in Sango have the potential to earn significantly more than those in Clarksville proper.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Clarksville?
Several factors can affect the salary of a Cook:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Cooks with diverse culinary skills often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants tend to pay better than fast-food or casual dining establishments.
- Certifications and Training: Holding certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler or Certified Culinarian can increase earning potential.
- Shift and Hours: Working nights, weekends, or overtime may lead to higher pay rates.
- Location: Working in higher-paying neighborhoods like Sango can raise a Cook's salary.
How To Become a Cook in Clarksville
Becoming a Cook in Clarksville involves several steps:
- Culinary Education: Enrolling in programs like the Austin Peay State University Culinary Arts Program offers comprehensive training with hands-on kitchen experience.
- Technical Training: The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Clarksville provides practical culinary arts education aligned with industry standards.
- Certifications: Obtaining credentials such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or the Certified Culinarian (CC) certification enhances job prospects and demonstrates food safety knowledge.
- On-the-Job Training: Many Cooks gain experience through apprenticeships or entry-level kitchen roles.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Clarksville
Some of the leading employers looking for skilled Cooks in Clarksville include:
- Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
- The Miller's Terrace
- Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Establishments That Cooks in Clarksville Work At
Cooks find employment across a range of establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer stable positions, often with moderate wages and room for improvement.
- Fast-Casual and Fast Food: Typically entry-level positions with lower wages but higher turnover opportunities.
- Hotels and Resorts: May pay higher wages and provide career advancement possibilities.
- Specialty and Fine Dining: These establishments can pay premium salaries for highly skilled Cooks.
The type of establishment greatly influences the salary and career growth of Cooks in Clarksville.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Clarksville for Cooks
If you're exploring similar career options to a Cook, consider these roles:
These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Head Chef, which share culinary skills and have varying degrees of responsibility and pay.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Clarksville
Cooks should be aware of the local labor laws and taxation relevant to their employment:
- Information on Tennessee state labor laws, wage requirements, and worker rights can be found on the official Tennessee government website.
- For federal labor laws, minimum wages, and employment standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.