Cook in Lexington, KY
Cooks in Lexington, KY, in 2025, earn approximately $13.81 per hour, which translates to about $552.40 per week, $2,393.73 per month, and $28,724.80 per year.
The job market for Cooks in Lexington is growing positively at a rate of 5% per year, indicating a healthy demand for culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Lexington, KY?
The salary of a Cook in Lexington varies based on experience level and employer, ranging from entry-level wages to higher compensation for seasoned professionals.
| 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 | $2,435.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Cooks in Lexington Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily kitchen-based, away from direct customer interaction. Their compensation comes mainly from their base salary or hourly wage.
Cook Salary in Lexington vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which amounts to approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to these national figures, Cooks in Lexington earn slightly less, at about $13.81 per hour and $28,724.80 annually. This difference is influenced by local cost of living and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lexington for Cooks
Nearby areas offer varying compensation for Cooks:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Beaumont: $17.60 per hour
Cooks working in Beaumont can expect to earn significantly more than in Lexington, making it an attractive area for higher pay opportunities.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Lexington?
Several factors affect how much a Cook can earn in Lexington:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Cooks with strong culinary skills tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Salaries vary if working in casual dining, fast food, or fine dining establishments, with fine dining generally paying more.
- Shift and Hours: Extra pay may occur for night shifts or overtime work.
- Certifications and Training: Advanced culinary education or food safety certifications can positively impact earnings.
- Local Market Demand: Areas with a higher demand for food service workers usually offer increased pay.
How To Become a Cook in Lexington
Starting a career as a Cook in Lexington involves several steps to build skills and credentials:
- Formal Culinary Training: Enrolling in programs like Bluegrass Community and Technical College Culinary Arts Program or Sullivan University Lexington Campus Culinary Arts Program provides essential hands-on training and education.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure compliance with food safety standards and are often required by employers.
- Alcohol Service Training: For Cooks working in establishments serving alcohol, completing Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Server Training is mandatory.
- Gain On-the-Job Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen positions helps develop practical skills and advance to higher roles.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Lexington
Some of the well-known employers in Lexington hiring Cooks include:
- The Cheesecake Factory
- P.F. Chang's
- Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment
Establishments That Cooks in Lexington Work At
Cooks commonly work in a variety of foodservice settings such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Typically offer moderate pay and steady hours.
- Fast Casual and Fast Food: These often provide entry-level opportunities with hourly wages on the lower end of the scale.
- Fine Dining: Offers higher salaries and opportunities for skill development.
- Hotels and Catering Services: These may provide competitive salary packages and benefits.
The type of establishment directly affects earning potential, with more upscale venues generally providing better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lexington for Cooks
If you are interested in career paths related to being a Cook, here are a few similar roles worth considering:
These include Line Cook, Fry Cook, and Head Chef, roles that share similar culinary duties but may involve different responsibilities and salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Lexington
Cooks in Lexington should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax requirements to ensure proper employment and compliance.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Kentucky-specific employment regulations and resources, check the Kentucky Career Center website.