Cook Salary in Green Bay, WI
Cooks in Green Bay, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $16.68 per hour, which translates to about $667.20 per week, $2,891.20 per month, and $34,694.40 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Green Bay is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the local culinary field.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Green Bay, WI?
The salary of a Cook in Green Bay varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is an overview of earnings at different stages of a Cook’s career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.37 | $414.80 | $1,794.67 | $21,536.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.68 | $667.20 | $2,891.20 | $34,694.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.81 | $1,072.40 | $4,646.27 | $55,724.80 |
Do Cooks in Green Bay Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their income is therefore mostly based on their salary or hourly wages.
Cook Salary in Green Bay vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of $16.68 per hour, or approximately $34,694.40 per year.
Cooks in Green Bay earn about the same as the national average, both hourly and annually, indicating the local market aligns closely with national compensation standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Green Bay for Cooks
Nearby cities offer slightly varied salaries for Cooks:
- De Pere: $17.53 per hour
- Appleton: $16.82 per hour
De Pere provides the highest pay for Cooks near Green Bay, followed by Appleton, showing some regional variation within the area.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Green Bay?
Several factors can affect how much a Cook earns in Green Bay:
- Experience and Skills: Cooks with more years of experience and advanced culinary skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in high-end restaurants or hotels generally offers better compensation than in casual or fast food settings.
- Certifications: Possessing certifications such as ServSafe can improve salary potential by demonstrating food safety expertise.
- Shift Hours: Evening or overnight shifts may have shift differentials increasing pay.
- Local Demand: The growing demand for culinary professionals in Green Bay positively impacts wages.
How To Become a Cook in Green Bay
There are several pathways to start a career as a Cook in Green Bay:
- Formal Education: Pursuing culinary programs such as the Culinary Management Associate Degree at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College provides valuable skills and management training.
- Hands-on Training: The Culinary Arts Program from the Green Bay Area Public School District uses the Pro-Start national curriculum to build foundational cooking skills.
- Certifications: Obtaining the ServSafe Certification is essential for food safety compliance, while the Certified Culinarian (CC) offered by the American Culinary Federation recognizes professional culinary competence.
- Gain Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen roles to develop practical skills and advance in the profession.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Green Bay
Some of the leading employers seeking professional Cooks in Green Bay include:
- Delaware North
- Chili's
- Olive Garden
Establishments That Cooks in Green Bay Work At
Cooks in Green Bay can work in a variety of establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide steady work with competitive hourly rates depending on the restaurant’s size.
- Fast Casual and Quick-Service: These kitchens offer faster-paced environments, generally with lower wages but possible tips in some cases.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Usually pay higher wages and may provide additional benefits.
- Institutional Kitchens: Schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias offer stable jobs that vary widely in pay.
The type of establishment greatly influences a Cook’s salary potential and opportunities for advancement.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Green Bay for Cooks
If you are interested in roles similar to Cook, you might consider these related hospitality careers:
These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Chef de Partie — roles that share culinary skills and responsibilities related to food preparation and kitchen operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Green Bay
Cooks in Green Bay should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to understand their rights and obligations.
- For federal labor laws and employment regulations, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- To access Wisconsin-specific workforce development and labor law information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.