As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cook's Assistant in the United States is $33,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Cook's Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cook's Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cook's Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cook's Assistant | $33,178 |
| Intermediate Level Cook's Assistant | $33,243 |
| Senior Level Cook's Assistant | $34,101 |
| Specialist Level Cook's Assistant | $35,230 |
| Expert Level Cook's Assistant | $35,310 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cook's Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 9.79% |
| Foodservice | 3.76% |
| Safety Standards | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collaboration
|
$36,612 |
8%
|
|
WFM
|
$36,273 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$35,595 |
5%
|
|
Honesty and Integrity
|
$35,595 |
5%
|
|
Team Management
|
$35,595 |
5%
|
|
Foodservice
|
$35,256 |
4%
|
Cook's Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,949. While startup companies pay approximate $32,104.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $32,104 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $33,954 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $36,647 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $37,949 |
For Cook's Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cook's Assistant positions in Financial Services or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cook's Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $44,070 | $21.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $42,375 | $20.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $40,680 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $38,985 | $19.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $37,290 | $18.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cook's Assistants enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Cook's Assistant with a No Diploma is between $32,409 and $33,922).
Cook's Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.1% |
| High School | 53.0% |
| Associates | 30.3% |
| Bachelors | 10.6% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Cook's Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cook's Assistant, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Banquet Chef | $59,200 | 75% |
| Facility Cook/Menu Planner | $37,970 | 12% |
| Senior Line Cook/Prep Cook | $37,970 | 12% |
| Cook's Helper, Senior | $38,700 | 14% |
Salaries for a Cook's Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $33,155 in 2023 to around $32,395 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cook's Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $33,155 |
| 2024 | $33,018 |
| 2025 | $32,395 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Cook's Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
A Cook's Assistant prepares and serves food following recipes or under the direction of a head chef. They maintain cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in their work area. The salary for this position ranges from $32,700 to $40,300, with a median salary of $35,500, reflecting the importance of their role in the kitchen.
To become a Cook's Assistant, you typically need to gather specific ingredients: a bucket of top-quality milk, a super large egg, and a pot of extra fine flour. This role offers a salary range from $32,700 to $40,300, with a mid-salary of $35,500, reflecting the importance of these tasks in culinary settings.
Being a Cook's Assistant can be a rewarding job with a salary range from $32,700 to $40,300. This role offers multiple career advancement opportunities. If you excel, you can move up to higher-level positions in the culinary field, working for top chefs or in larger establishments, making it a promising career choice.
Most kitchen assistant roles require at least a high school diploma or GED. While a college degree is not necessary, some employers may prefer candidates with additional training. The salary for a Cook's Assistant typically ranges from $32,700 to $40,300, with a mid-range salary of $35,500, reflecting the varying levels of experience and skills.
The average salary for a Cook's Assistant in the USA ranges from $32,700 to $40,300 per year, with a mid-salary of $35,500. This translates to an hourly wage between approximately $15.71 and $19.38, depending on experience and location.
On average, Personal Assistants can expect to work anywhere from 40 to 60 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime during busy periods or for high-profile clients. The salary for a Cook's Assistant ranges from $32,700 to $40,300, with a mid-salary of $35,500, reflecting the demands of the role and the hours worked.
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