Cook Salary in Gloucester-City, NJ
Cooks in Gloucester-City, NJ, in 2025, earn approximately $15.79 per hour, which translates to about $631.60 per week, $2,736.93 per month, and $32,843.20 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Gloucester-City is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating a positive trend and increasing job opportunities in this field annually.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Gloucester-City, NJ?
The salary of a Cook in Gloucester-City varies depending on experience, skill level, and employer type. Here is a breakdown across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.00 | $520.00 | $2,253.33 | $27,040.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.79 | $631.60 | $2,736.93 | $32,843.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $39,520.00 |
Do Cooks in Gloucester-City, NJ Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily in food preparation and behind-the-scenes, with limited direct customer interaction. Their earnings are mostly from hourly wages or salaries.
Cook Salary in Gloucester-City, NJ vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of about $14.50 per hour, which corresponds to roughly $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Gloucester-City earn slightly more per hour and annually, with an average hourly wage of $15.79 and yearly pay of $32,843.20.
This premium can be attributed to local demand, cost of living, and specific employer characteristics in Gloucester-City.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Gloucester-City for Cooks
Nearby areas that offer higher pay for Cooks include:
- Downtown: $16.50 per hour
- Waterfront District: $17.00 per hour
Cooks working in these areas might find better compensation due to higher business volumes and possibly more upscale dining establishments.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Gloucester-City?
Cooks' salaries depend on several factors that influence how much they can earn:
- Experience and Culinary Skill: More experienced Cooks with refined cooking skills earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants and hotels typically pay more than fast-food or casual dining outlets.
- Specialized Cooking Skills: Expertise in specific cuisines or techniques can command better pay.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may carry additional pay differentials.
- Local Demand and Economy: Gloucester-City’s economic conditions affect wage levels.
How To Become a Cook in Gloucester-City
Entering the Cook profession in Gloucester-City can be streamlined by following certain steps:
- Attend Culinary Arts Programs: Programs like the Camden County College Culinary Arts Program provide hands-on training and prepare students for kitchen work.
- Explore Hospitality Courses: Rowan University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program offers education that complements culinary skills and restaurant management knowledge.
- Obtain Food Handling Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often necessary and demonstrate knowledge of food safety.
- Achieve Culinary Credentials: Earning qualifications like the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation shows proficiency and can improve job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Gloucester-City
Some of the prominent employers seeking skilled Cooks in Gloucester-City include:
- The Pop Shop
- Local 44
- Cafe Franco
Establishments That Cooks in Gloucester-City Work At
Cooks commonly work in a variety of hospitality establishments including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often offer competitive wages and busy, fast-paced environments.
- Fast Casual Chains: These can provide steady hours but generally pay less than fine dining establishments.
- Hotels and Event Catering: Typically provide better salaries and opportunities for career advancement.
The nature and prestige of these establishments can significantly impact the overall salary and benefits a Cook receives.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Gloucester-City for Cooks
If you're interested in roles similar to Cook, consider exploring these related careers that require similar culinary skills:
These include Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie positions which are all closely related culinary roles within kitchen operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Gloucester-City
Cooks should stay informed about relevant labor laws and tax requirements to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Visit the official website of the State of New Jersey for state-specific employment laws and worker protections.
- Refer to the U.S. Department of Labor for federal labor standards, wage laws, and workplace regulations.