As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Facility Cook/Menu Planner in the United States is $37,970 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Facility Cook/Menu Planner's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Facility Cook/Menu Planner'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 Facility Cook/Menu Planner'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 Facility Cook/Menu Planner | $36,699 |
| Intermediate Level Facility Cook/Menu Planner | $36,815 |
| Senior Level Facility Cook/Menu Planner | $37,392 |
| Specialist Level Facility Cook/Menu Planner | $38,426 |
| Expert Level Facility Cook/Menu Planner | $39,727 |
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 Facility Cook/Menu Planners. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 8.91% |
| Healthcare Services | 5.35% |
| HACCP | 3.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$41,387 |
9%
|
|
Time Management
|
$40,248 |
6%
|
|
Assisted Living
|
$40,248 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$40,248 |
6%
|
|
Coaching
|
$39,869 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$39,489 |
4%
|
Facility Cook/Menu Planner salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $42,505. While startup companies pay approximate $35,958.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $35,958 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $38,030 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $41,046 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $42,505 |
For Facility Cook/Menu Planner roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Facility Cook/Menu Planner positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Facility Cook/Menu Planner as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $47,462 | $23.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $45,564 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $45,564 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $43,666 | $21.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $41,767 | $20.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Facility Cook/Menu Planners 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 Facility Cook/Menu Planner with a No Diploma is between $38,658 and $41,086).
Facility Cook/Menu Planner Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.2% |
| High School | 53.5% |
| Associates | 30.3% |
| Bachelors | 10.0% |
| Masters | 0.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Facility Cook/Menu Planner'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 Facility Cook/Menu Planner, 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 | 56% |
| Assistant Chef | $55,800 | 47% |
| Head Pastry Chef | $69,650 | 83% |
Salaries for a Facility Cook/Menu Planner can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $40,281 in 2023 to around $39,815 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Facility Cook/Menu Planner salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $40,281 |
| 2024 | $40,050 |
| 2025 | $39,815 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Facility Cook/Menu Planner roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Being a Facility Cook/Menu Planner can be a demanding role. The responsibilities of planning menus and ensuring food quality can lead to stress, especially without proper systems in place. With a salary range of $38,270 to $47,040, the financial rewards may not always reflect the challenges faced in this position.
How much does a Facility Cook/Menu Planner make? As of now, the salary range for a Facility Cook/Menu Planner in the United States is between $38,270 and $47,040 annually, with a median salary of $42,300. This translates to approximately $18.38 to $22.61 per hour, or about $3,189 to $3,920 per month.
Menu makers, specifically Facility Cooks/Menu Planners, typically earn between $38,270 and $47,040 annually, with a median salary of $42,300. While some cities like San Francisco and Palo Alto offer higher salaries for related positions, the general salary range for this role reflects the essential skills and responsibilities involved.
To become a menu planner, start by gaining culinary education, which can enhance your credibility. Practice cooking at home and gain hands-on experience in food preparation. Refine your skills and market yourself effectively. As a Facility Cook/Menu Planner, you can expect a salary ranging from $38,270 to $47,040, with a mid-salary of $42,300. Offer your services to potential clients to build your portfolio.
A Facility Cook/Menu Planner in the US typically earns between $38,270 and $47,040 annually, with a median salary of around $42,300. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role, providing a competitive salary in the hospitality industry.
Menu consultants typically charge based on their experience and location. For a Facility Cook/Menu Planner, salaries range from $38,270 to $47,040 annually. This translates to approximately $18 to $23 per hour, depending on the specific role and responsibilities. Negotiating a monthly retainer fee may also be an option for ongoing services.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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