How much does a Cook III make?

As of August 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Cook III in the United States is around $42,387, with an hourly rate of $20. The average salary ranges from $34,057 (10th percentile) to $51,773 (90th percentile), with the majority earning between $38,027 (25th percentile) and $47,300 (75th percentile). A Cook III's salary is shaped by several key factors, including experience level, specific skills, industry differences, company size, and so on. Below, we'll dive deeper into each of these factors to help you understand how they impact compensation.

Cook III Salary, Hourly Rate (August 01, 2025) in the United States

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$47,300	$3,942	$910	$23
Average	$42,387	$3,532	$815	$20
25th Percentile	$38,027	$3,169	$731	$18

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$47,300	$3,942	$910	$23
Average	$42,387	$3,532	$815	$20
25th Percentile	$38,027	$3,169	$731	$18

Levels	Salary
Entry Level Cook III	$40,955
Intermediate Level Cook III	$41,281
Senior Level Cook III	$42,754
Specialist Level Cook III	$44,220
Expert Level Cook III	$44,587

Degree Level	% of user with this level of education
High School	44.4%
Associates	44.4%
Bachelors	11.1%

Year	Average Annual Salary
2022	View More
2023	$40,281
2024	$40,050
2025	$39,815
2026	View More

	Median	% of Total
Base Salary	$42,387	58.1%
Bonus	$6,679	9.2%

	Median	% of Total
Social Security	$3,754	5.1%
401K/403B	$2,061	2.8%
Disability	$981	1.3%
Healthcare	$8,352	11.5%
Pension	$2,650	3.6%
Time Off	$6,039	8.3%
Total Compensation	$72,902	100%

FAQ about Cook III

1. What is the average salary of a Cook III?

The average annual salary of Cook III is $42,387. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Cook III is $20; the average weekly pay of Cook III is $815; the average monthly pay of Cook III is $3,532.

2. Where can a Cook III earn the most?

A Cook III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cook III is $53,463.

3. What is the highest pay for Cook III?

The highest pay for Cook III is $51,773.

4. What is the lowest pay for Cook III?

The lowest pay for Cook III is $34,057.

5. What are the responsibilities of Cook III?

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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

Cook III Salary in the United States

Cook III Salary in the United States