Cook Salary in Nampa, ID
Cooks in Nampa, ID, in 2025, earn approximately $14.89 per hour, which translates to about $595.60 per week, $2,580.93 per month, and $30,971.20 per year.
The job demand for Cooks in Nampa is growing at a healthy rate of about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the culinary industry locally.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Nampa, ID?
The salary of a Cook in Nampa varies primarily by experience, skill level, and employer type. Here is an overview of earnings across different experience levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.60 | $464.00 | $2,013.33 | $24,128.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.89 | $595.60 | $2,580.93 | $30,971.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.23 | $689.20 | $2,967.47 | $35,806.40 |
Do Cooks in Nampa Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily in the kitchen without direct customer interaction. Their income mostly comes from wages or salary rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in Nampa vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn on average about $14.79 per hour, which equals approximately $30,763.20 annually.
In comparison, Cooks in Nampa earn slightly above the national average with $14.89 per hour and $30,971.20 per year.
This modest increase reflects regional economic factors and local market demand for culinary roles.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Nampa for Cooks
Nearby cities offering higher pay for Cooks include:
- Boise: $17.23 per hour
- Caldwell: $16.23 per hour
Cooks looking for higher salaries may consider these neighboring cities as potential employment locations.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Nampa?
Various factors can impact how much a Cook earns in Nampa, including:
- Experience: Seasoned Cooks with years of practice often command higher wages than entry-level counterparts.
- Skill Level: Specialized cooking techniques or proficiency in certain cuisines can boost salary potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working at fine dining or upscale restaurants typically provides better pay compared to fast food or casual eateries.
- Shift Timing: Cooks working night or weekend shifts might receive differential pay.
- Certification: Holding recognized food safety or culinary certifications can positively affect earnings.
How To Become a Cook in Nampa
Embarking on a career as a Cook in Nampa involves taking some important steps:
- Education: Enrolling in culinary training programs like the Culinary Arts Program at College of Southern Idaho, which provides an Associate degree covering essential culinary skills, nutrition, and customer service.
- Certifications: Obtaining certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation can validate your knowledge and improve job prospects.
- Practical Experience: Gaining hands-on experience in kitchens through internships or entry-level positions is crucial to develop cooking proficiency.
- Networking: Connecting with local culinary professionals and employers can open doors to employment opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Nampa
Major organizations and facilities frequently looking for qualified Cooks in Nampa include:
- Karcher Post Acute
- Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections
- Local Restaurants
Establishments That Cooks in Nampa Work At
Cooks in Nampa find employment across various settings such as:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These are common employers offering stable hours but may have lower pay compared to upscale places.
- Hotels and Catering Services: These establishments often provide better wages and benefits due to the larger scale of operations.
- Healthcare and Institutional Facilities: Places like post-acute care centers typically employ cooks for meal preparation with varied compensation based on contracts and funding.
- Specialty Food Businesses: Bakeries or ethnic cuisine restaurants may offer niches with different pay scales depending on skills required.
The type of establishment greatly influences a Cook's salary, with factors like clientele, menu complexity, and business size playing key roles.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Nampa for Cooks
If you are exploring related careers, several occupational roles share similar culinary or hospitality characteristics:
These include Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie roles, providing pathways to career advancement or specialization within culinary arts.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Nampa
Cooks in Nampa should stay informed about labor laws and tax obligations that affect their working conditions and financial responsibilities.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations to understand nationwide workplace standards and safety protocols.
- The State of Idaho's official labor department website provides detailed information specific to Idaho employment laws.