As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cook's Helper in the United States is $33,840 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Cook's Helper's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cook's Helper'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 Helper'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 Helper | $33,131 |
| Intermediate Level Cook's Helper | $33,195 |
| Senior Level Cook's Helper | $34,040 |
| Specialist Level Cook's Helper | $35,160 |
| Expert Level Cook's Helper | $35,240 |
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 Helpers. 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
|
$36,547 |
8%
|
|
WFM
|
$36,209 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$35,532 |
5%
|
|
Honesty and Integrity
|
$35,532 |
5%
|
|
Team Management
|
$35,532 |
5%
|
|
Foodservice
|
$35,194 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cook's Helpers 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 Helper with a No Diploma is between $32,379 and $33,892).
Cook's Helper 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 Helper'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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Cook's Helper 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 Helper 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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We pay our Cook's Helper a salary that ranges from $32,610 to $40,270 annually, with a mid-range salary of $35,470. This ensures competitive compensation for their valuable contributions.
The salary for a Cook's Helper in the US ranges from a minimum of $32,610 to a maximum of $40,270, with a mid-range salary of $35,470. These figures reflect the typical earnings for this position, providing a clear overview of potential compensation in the industry.
Another term for a Cook's Helper is sous chef. In the culinary world, a sous chef assists the head chef with tasks such as food preparation and managing kitchen staff. The salary for a Cook's Helper ranges from $32,610 to $40,270, with a mid-range salary of $35,470, reflecting the important role they play in ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
As of January 16, 2025, the salary for a Cook's Helper in the United States ranges from a minimum of $32,610 to a maximum of $40,270, with a mid-salary of $35,470. This reflects the varying pay scales within the industry, providing a competitive wage for this role.
Assistant cooks in the US typically earn between $32,610 and $40,270 annually. The average salary is approximately $35,470. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and location, with top earners making closer to the maximum salary.
The job title of a cook's helper varies by employer and can include food service worker, assistant chef, or assistant cook. The salary for this position typically ranges from $32,610 to $40,270, with a mid-range salary of approximately $35,470.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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