Cook Salary in St. Petersburg, FL
Cooks in St. Petersburg, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $17.45 per hour, which translates to about $698.00 per week, $3,024.67 per month, and $36,296.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in St. Petersburg is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for career opportunities in the vibrant local food service industry.
How Much Does a Cook Make in St. Petersburg, FL?
The salary of a Cook in St. Petersburg varies depending on experience and employer size, but generally falls within these ranges.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.45 | $618.00 | $2,681.00 | $32,136.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.45 | $698.00 | $3,024.67 | $36,296.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.71 | $788.40 | $3,408.60 | $40,997.00 |
Do Cooks in St. Petersburg Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work happens mostly in the kitchen, away from direct customer interaction. Their earnings mainly come from their hourly wages or salaries rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in St. Petersburg vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.00 per hour and approximately $33,280 annually.
In comparison, Cooks in St. Petersburg make slightly higher earnings, averaging about $17.45 per hour and $36,296 yearly.
This difference may be influenced by regional living costs and the local demand for culinary professionals in St. Petersburg.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Petersburg for Cooks
Nearby neighborhoods offer slightly varied wages for the Cook role:
- Downtown St. Petersburg: $18.50 per hour
- Old Northeast: $18.00 per hour
Cooks seeking higher pay may consider pursuing opportunities in these nearby areas where compensation slightly exceeds the city average.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in St. Petersburg?
Various factors can impact how much a Cook earns in St. Petersburg, including:
- Experience and Skillset: More experienced Cooks with specialized skills often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels can offer better pay compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Certifications: Food safety and culinary certifications can enhance earning potential.
- Shift Hours: Evening or weekend shifts might come with pay differentials.
- Local Economic Factors: Cost of living and local demand affect salary ranges.
How To Become a Cook in St. Petersburg
Prospective Cooks in St. Petersburg can pursue the following steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Training: Programs such as the Hollins High School Culinary Arts Program and the Pinellas Technical College Culinary Arts Program provide foundational skills and knowledge.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is highly recommended for food safety compliance and increased employability.
- Earn Professional Credentials: Certifications like the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation boost credibility.
- Gain Work Experience: Entry-level kitchen roles and internships can help build practical cooking skills.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in St. Petersburg
Several prominent employers actively seek qualified Cooks in the area, including:
- First Watch
- Exceed LLC
- Hilton
- 23 Restaurant Services
- BayCare Health System
Establishments That Cooks in St. Petersburg Work At
Cooks in St. Petersburg find employment across diverse food service settings such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer steady work but usually pay moderate wages.
- Fast Casual Chains: Often offer competitive hourly rates and benefits.
- Hotels and Resorts: Can pay higher salaries and offer opportunities for advancement.
- Healthcare and Institutional Kitchens: Provide stable employment with consistent schedules.
The type of establishment can significantly influence salary, with fine dining and hotel kitchens generally offering better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Petersburg for Cooks
If you're exploring careers similar to being a Cook, consider these related roles:
These include Commis Chef, Line Cook, and Chef de Partie, roles that involve related culinary tasks and share similar career pathways.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in St. Petersburg
Cooks should be well-informed about labor regulations and tax obligations affecting their work and income in St. Petersburg.
- Federal labor standards can be reviewed at the U.S. Department of Labor official website.
- State-specific employment regulations and resources are available on the State of Florida's official portal.
- Local rules and services are provided through the Pinellas County official site.