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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cooks in Mississippi is $32,737 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Cooks's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cooks Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $36,313 | $3,026 | $698 | $17 |
| Average | $32,737 | $2,728 | $630 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,072 | $2,423 | $559 | $14 |
City Grocery Restaurant Group - Oxford, MS
O'Charley's - Tupelo, MS
O'Charley's Team Members - Olive Branch, MS
Jo's Diner - Flowood, MS
A Cooks'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cooks'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 Cooks | $32,381 |
| Intermediate Level Cooks | $32,635 |
| Senior Level Cooks | $33,144 |
| Specialist Level Cooks | $33,902 |
| Expert Level Cooks | $34,935 |
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 Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Cooks roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cooks positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cooks as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $42,558 | $20.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $40,922 | $20.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $39,285 | $19.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $37,648 | $18.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $36,011 | $17.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Cooks'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $36,313 | $3,026 | $698 | $17 |
| Average | $32,737 | $2,728 | $630 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,072 | $2,423 | $559 | $14 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cooks job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
O'Charley's Team Members
Olive Branch, MS
O'Charley's Team Members | Olive Branch, MS
Prep Cooks. O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar is known for offering good food, good times and some of the most awesome job opportunities around. That's because ... more
7 Days Ago
O'Charley's
Olive Branch, MS
O'Charley's | Olive Branch, MS
O'Charley's - 7880 Craft Goodman Frontage Road - Responsibilities: Prepare ingredients and assist in cooking dishes to order at Olive Branch location more
9 Days Ago
O'Charley's
Tupelo, MS
O'Charley's | Tupelo, MS
O'Charley's - 3876 North Gloster Street - Responsibilities: Prepare and assemble menu items for dinner service at Tupelo location more
9 Days Ago
O'Charley's
Olive Branch, MS
O'Charley's | Olive Branch, MS
O'Charley's - 7880 Craft Goodman Frontage Road - Responsibilities: Prepare and cook menu items to specification. Maintain food quality and safety standards... more
9 Days Ago
Tony's Brick Oven Pizzeria
Gulfport, MS
Tony's Brick Oven Pizzeria | Gulfport, MS
Job Description. Job Description. Job Overview. We are seeking a skilled and passionate Line Cook to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate will have ... more
10 Days Ago
4 Tops Hospitality
Jackson, MS
4 Tops Hospitality | Jackson, MS
Job Description. Job Description. Applications need to be filled out in person Mon-Fr between 2-4. Please notify the hostess when you have completed the ap... more
10 Days Ago
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