Cook Salary in Nashville, TN
Cooks in Nashville, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $16.05 per hour, which translates to about $642.00 per week, $2,782.00 per month, and $33,384.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Nashville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting an increasing need for culinary professionals in the area’s vibrant food scene.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Nashville, TN?
The salary of a Cook in Nashville can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.60 | $424.00 | $1,837.33 | $22,048.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.05 | $642.00 | $2,782.00 | $33,384.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.29 | $971.60 | $4,188.87 | $50,483.20 |
Do Cooks in Nashville Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their primary role is to prepare food behind the scenes rather than serving customers directly. Their earnings mainly come from their salary or hourly wages.
Cook Salary in Nashville vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.05 per hour, translating to about $33,384 per year.
In Nashville, TN, Cooks earn about $16.05 per hour and $33,384 annually, which is on par with the national average, reflecting the city's competitive culinary industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Nashville for Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly different salary levels for Cooks:
- Maryville: $16.12 per hour
- Gallatin: $15.92 per hour
Maryville tends to offer slightly better pay for Cooks compared to Gallatin, making it a competitive alternative for employment near Nashville.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Nashville?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Cook in Nashville:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with refined skills in various cuisines or techniques tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels can result in better pay compared to fast food or casual dining venues.
- Certifications and Education: Possessing culinary certifications or relevant training increases employability and salary potential.
- Shift and Hours: Cooks working night shifts or peak hours may receive shift differentials that increase their overall earnings.
- Local Economic Conditions: Nashville's growing food scene and tourism industry support competitive wages in the culinary sector.
How To Become a Cook in Nashville
Beginning a career as a Cook in Nashville involves a mixture of education, certification, and practical experience.
Consider enrolling in programs such as the Nashville State Community College Culinary Arts Program, offering an Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts with practical training and theory.
Another option is the Art Institute of Tennessee – Nashville Culinary Arts Program, which provides comprehensive instruction in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree.
Obtaining relevant certifications can also bolster your qualifications. The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is essential for food safety compliance, while the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation demonstrates recognized culinary skills enhancing job prospects.
Practical experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level kitchen positions is critical to developing professional cooking abilities.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Nashville
Nashville boasts a vibrant culinary industry with several prominent employers currently seeking skilled Cooks:
- Henrietta Red
- Party Fowl Donelson
- McAlister's Deli
- TC Restaurant Group
Establishments That Cooks in Nashville Work At
Cooks in Nashville find employment across a varied range of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues provide consistent opportunities but often at moderate wages.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service: Generally offer entry points into the culinary field, usually with lower pay compared to full-service restaurants.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Typically pay higher wages due to greater skill requirements and complex menu preparations.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: Often offer higher salaries and additional benefits, providing career growth potential.
The type and prestige of the establishment significantly affect salary scales for Cooks in Nashville.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Nashville for Cooks
If you are exploring careers related to Cook, here are a few similar roles that might interest you:
These include related positions such as Line Cook, Head Chef, and Kitchen Manager, all of which share overlapping skills and responsibilities with the Cook role.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Nashville
Cooks should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure proper work conditions and legal compliance.
- Visit the Official website of the State of Tennessee for detailed information on state labor laws, including wage requirements and workplace rights.
- For federal labor regulations, the U.S. Department of Labor's official website offers resources on workplace standards and protections.