Cook Salary in Columbus, OH
Cooks in Columbus, OH, in 2025, earn approximately $16.72 per hour, which translates to about $668.80 per week, $2,898.13 per month, and $34,777.60 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Columbus is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the culinary field within the city.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Columbus, OH?
The salary of a Cook in Columbus varies depending on experience, skillset, and workplace, but here is a general breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.91 | $476.40 | $2,057.20 | $24,686.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.72 | $668.80 | $2,898.13 | $34,777.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.47 | $938.80 | $4,064.53 | $48,745.60 |
Do Cooks in Columbus Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work mainly takes place behind the scenes preparing meals rather than direct customer service. Their earnings are primarily wage-based and do not include tipping income.
Cook Salary in Columbus vs. National Average
Across the United States, Cooks earn an average of around $16.72 per hour, which is equivalent to about $34,777.60 annually.
Cooks in Columbus closely align with the national average, earning $16.72 per hour and roughly $34,777.60 per year, reflecting stable pay scales consistent with nationwide standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Columbus for Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Cooks:
- Downtown: $17.50 per hour
- Short North: $18.00 per hour
Cooks working in neighborhoods like Short North can expect to earn a bit more compared to Downtown or other parts of Columbus.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Columbus?
The salary of a Cook in Columbus can be influenced by several factors:
- Experience and Skill Level: Experienced Cooks who demonstrate efficiency and culinary skill command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants or hotels often pay more compared to casual dining or fast food.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary training and food safety certifications can increase earning potential.
- Shift Timing and Hours Worked: Evening or weekend shifts, or working overtime, may come with pay differentials.
- Location within the City: Cooks in higher-paying areas or busy districts could earn more.
How To Become a Cook in Columbus
Starting a career as a Cook in Columbus involves several valuable steps:
- Participate in Culinary Apprenticeship Programs: Programs like the Columbus State Community College Culinary Apprenticeship Program combine classroom instruction with practical experience, preparing you well for culinary roles.
- Enroll in Hospitality Management or Culinary Courses: The Ohio State University offers a Hospitality Management Program with courses that cover culinary arts and restaurant management fundamentals.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are widely recognized and often required by employers.
- Earn Entry-Level Culinary Certifications: The Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation provides a foundation of culinary skills demonstrating competence to employers.
- Gain Experience: Starting as a kitchen assistant or line cook helps build on-the-job skills crucial for advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Columbus
Several prominent employers in Columbus frequently hire skilled Cooks, including:
- OhioHealth
- The Ohio State University
- Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Establishments That Cooks in Columbus Work At
Cooks in Columbus find employment across a variety of establishments, which affect their earnings:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer steady employment often with moderate pay but frequent hours.
- Fast Casual Chains: Typically have consistent schedules but lower wages compared to full-service restaurants.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Generally pay higher salaries, rewarding advanced culinary skills and speed.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: Can provide competitive pay with additional benefits and opportunities for advancement.
The type of workplace significantly influences salary levels, with fine dining usually offering the highest compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Columbus for Cooks
If you are interested in roles related to Cook, consider the following similar careers that offer different responsibilities and pay ranges.
These include Line Cook, Chef de Partie, and Head Chef, all of which require culinary skills and offer different career advancement opportunities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Columbus
Cooks should be familiar with federal and state labor laws and tax requirements to protect their rights and manage their finances.
- Information on federal labor laws and regulations is available on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides helpful labor statistics and occupational data.
- For Ohio-specific labor laws and regulations, visit the Ohio Department of Commerce website.