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Cook II Salary in the United States

How much does a Cook II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cook II in the United States is $37,682 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, a Cook II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $42,580
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $33,972 to $40,246
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $30,594
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cook II Salaries

A Cook II'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.

How Experience Level Affects Cook II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cook II'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:

  • Cook I (0-1 years): $33,835
  • Cook II (1-3 years): $37,682
  • Cook III (3-5 years): $42,451
  • Sous Chef (5+ years): $49,600
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cook I0-1 years$33,835
Cook II1-3 years$37,682
Cook III3-5 years$42,451
Sous Chef5+ years$49,600
View as Graph

How Do Cook II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $41,722.
  • California: $41,563.
  • Massachusetts: $41,009.

Top Paying Cities for Cook IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $47,528
  • San Francisco: $47,008
  • Oakland: $46,017

Cook II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cook II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $42,111. While startup companies pay approximate $35,622.

Cook II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,622
Growth Stage 51~500 $37,674
Established 501~5000 $40,664
Enterprise 5000+ $42,111

Cook II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cook II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Cook positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cook II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cook II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$47,102$23.025%
Healthcare$45,218$22.020%
Internet$45,218$22.020%
Software & Networking$45,218$22.020%
Energy & Utilities$41,450$20.010%

How Education impacts a Cook II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cook II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Cook II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $40,384 and $42,478.

Cook II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Cook II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.8%
High School 30.8%
Associates 42.3%
Bachelors 19.2%
Masters 3.8%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Cook II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cook II'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 September 01, 2026
$33,972
Average $37,682/year
$40,246
$2,831
Average $3,140/month
$3,354
$653
Average $725/week
$774
$16
Average $18/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $40,246 $3,354 $774 $19
Average $37,682 $3,140 $725 $18
25th Percentile $33,972 $2,831 $653 $16

Cook II Salary Growth & Career Path

Cook II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cook II, 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 $59,111 57%
Cook III $42,451 13%
Cook - Institution $37,964 1%
Senior Line Cook $38,966 3%

Most common benefits for Cook II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Cook II

Here are companies hiring for Cook II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Cook II

1. Where can a Cook II earn the most?

A Cook II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cook II is $47,528.

2. What is the highest pay for Cook II?

The highest pay for Cook II is $42,580.

3. What is the lowest pay for Cook II?

The lowest pay for Cook II is $30,594.

4. What are the responsibilities of Cook II?

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 moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Cook II?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Cook II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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