As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cook I in the United States is $33,837 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Cook I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cook I'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 I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cook I | 0-1 years | $33,837 |
| Cook II | 1-3 years | $37,674 |
| Cook III | 3-5 years | $42,431 |
| Sous Chef | 5+ years | $55,721 |
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 Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 10.31% |
| Square | 1.79% |
| Container | 1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$35,529 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$35,190 |
4%
|
|
Team Building
|
$35,190 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$34,852 |
3%
|
|
Organizing
|
$34,852 |
3%
|
|
Catering
|
$34,852 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cook Is 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 I with a No Diploma is between $34,264 and $36,129).
Cook I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.9% |
| High School | 29.7% |
| Associates | 45.3% |
| Bachelors | 14.1% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Cook I'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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cook I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Chef | $59,084 | 75% |
| Cook II | $37,674 | 11% |
| Cook - Institution | $37,966 | 12% |
| Senior Line Cook | $37,966 | 12% |
Salaries for a Cook I 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 I 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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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Cook I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cook I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Cook I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Cook I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cook I is $42,679.
The highest pay for Cook I is $38,968.
The lowest pay for Cook I is $29,720.
Prepares menu dishes following established recipes and using designated ingredients that meet production and quality standards. Utilizes portion and presentation standards to create appealing and flavorful dishes. May prepare unique dishes to fulfill customer requests. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Maintains a clean and orderly workstation and kitchen equipment. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a sous chef or executive chef. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
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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