As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Short Order Cook in the United States is $27,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $13.
However, a Short Order Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Short Order Cook'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 Short Order Cook'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 Short Order Cook | $27,581 |
| Intermediate Level Short Order Cook | $27,900 |
| Senior Level Short Order Cook | $28,626 |
| Specialist Level Short Order Cook | $28,725 |
| Expert Level Short Order Cook | $28,890 |
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 Short Order Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15.8% |
| Product Quality | 2.27% |
| Work Ethic | 1.4% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oral Communication
|
$30,690 |
10%
|
|
Product Quality
|
$29,574 |
6%
|
|
Cost Control
|
$29,295 |
5%
|
|
Safety Standards
|
$29,016 |
4%
|
|
Product Knowledge
|
$29,016 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$29,016 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Short Order Cooks 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 Short Order Cook with a No Diploma is between $26,018 and $27,537).
Short Order Cook Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.1% |
| High School | 66.7% |
| Associates | 10.3% |
| Bachelors | 11.9% |
| Masters | 1.6% |
| Doctorate | 2.4% |
Understanding how a Short Order Cook'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Short Order Cook 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 Short Order Cook 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 minimum salary for a Short Order Cook is $25,530 annually. This reflects the starting pay for those in this role, with the mid-range salary at $28,180 and a maximum of $31,460. These figures provide a clear understanding of the earning potential in this profession.
The highest paying fast food job typically involves management positions. For example, a General Manager at Taco Bell can earn up to $100,000, while those at Raising Cane's can make up to $174,000. In contrast, a Short Order Cook earns between $25,530 and $31,460, with a mid-salary of $28,180, making it less lucrative compared to management roles.
The minimum salary for a Short Order Cook in the USA is $25,530 annually. This translates to an average hourly wage of approximately $12.26. Entry-level positions may vary, but this figure provides a baseline for understanding the starting compensation in this role.
Fast food cooks, specifically Short Order Cooks, typically earn between $25,530 and $31,460 annually, with a median salary of around $28,180. Salaries can vary based on location and experience, with some states offering higher hourly rates, such as California at $14.50.
A short order cook is responsible for preparing quick-to-cook menu items in a fast-paced restaurant, with an expected turnaround time for orders. They must remain calm under pressure. Salary data for this role indicates a minimum of $25,530, a mid-range of $28,180, and a maximum of $31,460, reflecting the skill and speed required in this position.
Cooks, including short order cooks, typically earn more than minimum wage. Based on salary data, the minimum salary for a short order cook is approximately $25,530 annually, which translates to about $12.27 per hour. This is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, reflecting the skills and responsibilities involved in the role.
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.)
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