Cook Salary in Wilmington, DE
Cooks in Wilmington, DE, in 2025, earn approximately $17.10 per hour, which translates to about $684.00 per week, $2,964.00 per month, and $35,568.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Wilmington is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in this field over the coming years.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Wilmington, DE?
The salary of a Cook in Wilmington can vary depending on experience and employer. Below is a detailed breakdown of typical earnings throughout different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.27 | $570.80 | $2,469.07 | $29,701.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.10 | $684.00 | $2,964.00 | $35,568.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.49 | $819.60 | $3,530.40 | $42,619.20 |
Do Cooks in Wilmington, DE Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes in food preparation. Their income tends to be solely based on their wage or salary rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in Wilmington, DE vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn approximately $16.10 per hour or about $33,488 annually.
When compared to the national average, Cooks in Wilmington, DE earn slightly more, with an average hourly wage of $17.10 and an annual salary of $35,568. This difference can be attributed to regional cost of living and local demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wilmington, DE for Cooks
Nearby areas also offer competitive pay for Cooks, often slightly higher than Wilmington itself:
- Rehoboth Beach: $18.09 per hour
- Lewes: $17.98 per hour
Exploring opportunities in these nearby locations may provide Cooks with higher earning potential.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Wilmington, DE?
Several factors influence the salary of a Cook in Wilmington, including:
- Experience and Skill Level: More years working in kitchen environments and mastery of cooking techniques can lead to higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels generally offers higher wages than fast food or casual dining.
- Specialized Skills: Expertise in specific cuisines or dietary requirements can increase value to employers.
- Shift Timing: Working evening, night, or holiday shifts may come with shift differentials boosting salary.
- Certifications: Holding food safety or culinary certifications often leads to better job prospects and salary negotiations.
How To Become a Cook in Wilmington, DE
Beginners interested in becoming a Cook in Wilmington can enhance their qualifications through formal education and certifications:
- Complete culinary programs: Pursuing training such as the Delaware Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program offers comprehensive culinary skills preparation.
- Consider hospitality management education: The University of Delaware Hospitality Business Management Program provides additional knowledge valuable for career advancement.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification are crucial to ensure compliance with health standards.
- Gain experience: Starting with apprenticeships or entry-level kitchen roles helps develop practical skills.
- Pursue advanced certifications: The American Culinary Federation Certification can validate professional skills and enhance career opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Wilmington, DE
Several prominent employers frequently hiring Cooks in Wilmington include:
- Morrison Healthcare
- First Watch
- FLIK Hospitality Group
Establishments That Cooks in Wilmington, DE Work At
Cooks find employment across various types of dining and hospitality settings, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Generally provide stable hours with moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Often offer lower salaries but may offer quicker work pace and experience.
- Hotels and Resorts: Typically pay higher wages and may offer benefits due to scale and service level.
- Catering Services and Banquet Facilities: Can provide seasonal opportunities and varied work environments.
The type of establishment impacts the salary scale, with higher-end or larger operations tending to offer better compensation packages.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wilmington, DE for Cooks
If you’re exploring career options related to being a Cook, consider the following similar roles which offer related culinary skills:
These include Line Cook, Head Chef, and Kitchen Supervisor positions, each offering its own progression path and salary structure.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Wilmington, DE
Cooks should be familiar with both federal and Delaware state labor laws to understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Consult the Federal Department of Labor website for information on wage laws, overtime, and workplace standards.
- For state-specific rules, visit the Delaware Department of Labor website.