Cook Salary in Glendale, AZ
Cooks in Glendale, AZ, in 2025, earn approximately $17.91 per hour, which translates to about $716.40 per week, $3,104.40 per month, and $37,252.80 per year.
The job market for Cooks in Glendale is looking positive with a 5% annual growth rate, indicating steady demand for culinary professionals in this vibrant city.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Glendale, AZ?
The salary of a Cook in Glendale varies with experience and skills. Below is a breakdown of earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.70 | $588.00 | $2,540.00 | $30,480.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.91 | $716.40 | $3,104.40 | $37,252.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.62 | $1,064.80 | $4,609.07 | $55,369.60 |
Do Cooks in Glendale Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their roles are primarily behind the scenes preparing food rather than direct customer interaction. Their earnings are mostly based on hourly wages or salaries.
Cook Salary in Glendale, AZ vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.14 per hour, which is about $33,571.20 per year.
In Glendale, AZ, Cooks earn a bit more than the national average, with an hourly wage of $17.91 and an annual salary of $37,252.80, reflecting the local market conditions and the demand for culinary skills.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Glendale for Cooks
Nearby areas often offer higher wages for Cooks, including:
- Fountain Hills: $20.88 per hour
- Chandler: $19.05 per hour
Cooks commuting or relocating to Fountain Hills could enjoy significantly better pay, while Chandler also offers competitive hourly rates higher than Glendale.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Glendale?
Several factors play a role in determining how much a Cook can earn in Glendale:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with advanced culinary skills tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Premium restaurants, hotels, and resort kitchens typically offer better pay than fast food or casual dining establishments.
- Work Schedule: Night shifts or extended hours might come with higher pay rates or additional compensation.
- Certifications: Culinary certifications and food handling licenses can enhance job prospects and salary potential.
- Local Demand: The growth of the food industry in Glendale affects wages, with higher demand often resulting in increased salaries.
How To Become a Cook in Glendale
Starting a career as a Cook in Glendale involves several practical steps:
- Complete Culinary Training: Local institutions like the Arizona Culinary Institute in Scottsdale offer comprehensive culinary arts programs focusing on classical French techniques.
- Pursue Community College Programs: Scottsdale Community College's Culinary Arts Program provides associate degrees and certificates emphasizing hands-on experience and industry standards.
- Obtain Food Handler Certifications: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the Arizona Food Handler Card are valuable credentials required for safe food preparation practices.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working in kitchens as apprentices or in entry-level positions helps build skills and improve earning potential.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Glendale
Several leading restaurant chains and establishments in Glendale frequently hire Cooks, including:
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Olive Garden
- Red Lobster
Establishments That Cooks in Glendale Work At
Cooks can be found working in a variety of establishments across Glendale, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer moderate wages with potential tips from serving staff benefiting cooks indirectly.
- Fast Casual and Fast Food: These usually provide lower wages but often have higher turnover and more entry-level opportunities.
- Hotels and Resorts: Typically pay higher wages and provide opportunities for professional growth.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments often pay top salaries reflecting the skill and precision required for the cooking roles.
The type of establishment directly influences base salary, benefits, and job stability for Cooks in Glendale.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Glendale for Cooks
If you are interested in careers similar to that of a Cook, consider these related roles that share overlapping skills:
These include Line Cook, Head Chef, and Kitchen Manager roles, each with distinct responsibilities and salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Glendale
Cooks should be aware of the labor laws and tax regulations applicable in Arizona to ensure their rights and obligations are maintained.
- You can find detailed information on labor laws, minimum wage, overtime, and employment rights on the official website of the State of Arizona.
- For federal labor standards and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's official site.