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Miami Gardens, FL

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Cook Salary in Miami-Gardens, FL

Cooks in Miami-Gardens, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $18.01 per hour, which translates to about $720.40 per week, $3,121.73 per month, and $37,460.80 per year.

The demand for Cooks in Miami-Gardens is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the culinary field within this area.

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Find out how your salary compares to the average Cook salary.
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Location
Your Salary
Average Cook Salary in Miami Gardens, FL:
Your salary is the same as the Miami Gardens, FL salary average.
$18.01
Your Salary
$18.01
$0.00
$18.01
$36.02
Market Average
$18.01

How Much Does a Cook Make in Miami-Gardens, FL?

The salary of a Cook in Miami-Gardens can vary depending on experience and employer, but the following table outlines typical earnings for different experience levels.

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$15.00$600.00$2,600.00$31,200.00
Mid-level (average)$18.01$720.40$3,121.73$37,460.80
Top earners (90th percentile)$24.99$999.60$4,333.20$51,999.60

Do Cooks in Miami-Gardens Earn Tips?

Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily back-of-house and not customer-facing. Their income is generally based on their hourly wage or salary rather than gratuities.

Cook Salary in Miami-Gardens vs. National Average

Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.04 per hour, which comes to about $33,363.20 per year.

Compared to this, Cooks in Miami-Gardens earn a higher average wage of $18.01 per hour and approximately $37,460.80 annually, reflecting the local market's competitive pay scale and cost of living.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Miami-Gardens for Cooks

Nearby areas that offer higher pay for Cooks include:

  • Dania: $43.06 per hour
  • North Miami Beach: $40.02 per hour

These cities present advantageous opportunities for Cooks seeking higher wages close to Miami-Gardens.

High-Paying Cities for Cooks

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Cook. You can see the average annual wage for a Cook in each of these cities.

City

Avg Salary

Avg Hourly Wage

Chicago, IL

$38,030

$18.28

Los Angeles, CA

$42,900

$20.63

Miami, FL

$36,380

$17.49

NYC, NY

$42,460

$20.41

What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Miami-Gardens?

Various factors can affect how much a Cook earns in Miami-Gardens, including:

  • Experience and Skill Level: More skilled and experienced Cooks typically command higher wages.
  • Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels often pays more than casual dining or fast food.
  • Specialty Cooking Abilities: Mastery of specific cuisines or techniques can increase salary potential.
  • Work Hours and Shifts: Nights, weekends, or overtime shifts may offer additional pay.

How To Become a Cook in Miami-Gardens

To pursue a career as a Cook in Miami-Gardens, consider the following steps:

  • Complete Culinary Training: Enroll in programs such as those offered by Miami Culinary Institute, which provide comprehensive culinary arts education with hands-on experience.
  • Pursue Higher Education: Consider degrees like the Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University, which focus on both culinary skills and management.
  • Obtain Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure knowledge of food safety and are often required by employers.
  • Gain Practical Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen positions to build foundational skills and advance your career.
  • Consider Culinary Credentials: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation demonstrates fundamental professional cooking skills to potential employers.

Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Miami-Gardens

Some prominent employers in Miami-Gardens actively hiring Cooks include:

  • Topgolf
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • First Watch
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Establishments That Cooks in Miami-Gardens Work At

Cooks in Miami-Gardens typically find employment at a range of establishments such as:

  • Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These generally offer steady work hours but may provide moderate pay.
  • Hotels and Resorts: Often higher pay and benefits come from these upscale venues with larger kitchens and clientele.
  • Fine Dining Restaurants: These can offer better wages, especially for skilled Cooks specializing in gourmet cuisines.
  • Institutional Settings: Schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias provide stable jobs but often with lower salaries.

The type of establishment plays a significant role in salary levels, with upscale and specialized venues typically paying more.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Miami-Gardens for Cooks

Those interested in the culinary field may also explore similar roles such as:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Chef de Cuisine

$0

Commis Chef

$34,000

Line Cook

$33,829

These include Line Cook, Commis Chef, and Chef de Cuisine positions, offering different responsibilities and earnings within the culinary profession.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Miami-Gardens

Cooks should be informed about labor laws and tax rules to ensure compliance and proper workplace rights.