Cook Salary in Salem, OR
Cooks in Salem, OR, in 2026, earn approximately $17.78 per hour, which translates to about $711.20 per week, $3,081.87 per month, and $36,982.40 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Salem is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook and expanding opportunities in the local culinary and hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Salem, OR?
The salary of a Cook in Salem can vary based on experience, skills, and employer type. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.00 | $840.00 | $3,640.00 | $43,680.00 |
Do Cooks in Salem Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips, as their work primarily happens behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their earnings rely mostly on salary or hourly wages rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in Salem vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn about $17.78 per hour or roughly $36,982.40 per year.
The average Cook in Salem matches the national hourly average with $17.78 per hour. Depending on experience, some Cooks in Salem may earn slightly more or less than the national average.
Cost of living and demand in Salem can influence these figures, with opportunities for higher pay as skills and experience increase.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Salem for Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly varied wages for Cooks:
- Downtown Salem: $19.00 per hour
- South Salem: $18.00 per hour
Cooks working in Downtown Salem tend to earn higher pay due to the concentration of restaurants and hospitality venues demanding experienced culinary staff.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Salem?
Several factors affect how much a Cook can earn in Salem:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with advanced culinary skills can secure higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, hotels, or catering services often leads to better salaries compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening, night, or weekend shifts might come with shift differentials.
- Certifications and Training: Holding culinary certifications and completing formal training can enhance salary prospects.
- Location: Salaries vary slightly depending on the neighborhood or city within the Salem metropolitan area.
How To Become a Cook in Salem
Starting a career as a Cook in Salem involves a combination of education, certifications, and hands-on experience.
Completion of formal programs such as the Chemeketa Community College Culinary Arts Program and the Oregon Culinary Institute provides comprehensive training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and food safety.
Additionally, acquiring required certifications helps:
- Food Handler's Permit: Mandatory for all food service workers in Oregon to ensure knowledge of proper food safety.
- ServSafe Certification: A nationally recognized credential focused on food safety and sanitation, preferred by many employers.
Gaining practical experience through internships, entry-level kitchen jobs, or apprenticeships is vital to building skills.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Salem
Some of the prominent employers hiring Cooks in Salem include:
- Salem Health
- Panda Restaurant Group
- Bowlero
Establishments That Cooks in Salem Work At
Cooks in Salem typically find employment across a range of food service locations:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These provide moderate pay and are common workplaces for many Cooks.
- Fast-Casual Restaurants: Often offer steady hours but slightly lower wages compared to full-service restaurants.
- Hotels and Resorts: May pay higher wages due to volume and quality standards.
- Institutional Food Services: Such as hospitals or schools, with stable positions but sometimes lower pay.
The type of establishment can significantly influence hourly wages and benefits for Cooks in Salem.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Salem for Cooks
If you are considering careers similar to that of a Cook, there are several roles within hospitality that share common skills and responsibilities.
These include Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Commis Chef positions, providing alternative and often complementary culinary career paths.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Salem
Understanding your rights and obligations is essential when working as a Cook in Salem.
- Refer to the official website of the State of Oregon for comprehensive information on state labor laws, minimum wage, and workplace regulations.
- For federal labor laws covering wage and hour rules, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's official website.