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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cooks in South Dakota is $33,361 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 | $37,005 | $3,084 | $712 | $18 |
| Average | $33,361 | $2,780 | $642 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,626 | $2,469 | $570 | $14 |
The Knuckle Saloon - Sturgis, SD
Valley Sports Bar - Rapid City, SD
Myrmoe Enterprises - Sioux Falls, SD
ROAM Kitchen + Bar - Sioux Falls, SD
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 | $32,998 |
| Intermediate Level Cooks | $33,258 |
| Senior Level Cooks | $33,776 |
| Specialist Level Cooks | $34,549 |
| Expert Level Cooks | $35,601 |
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 | $43,370 | $21.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $41,702 | $20.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $40,034 | $19.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $38,366 | $18.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $36,697 | $18.0 | 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 | $37,005 | $3,084 | $712 | $18 |
| Average | $33,361 | $2,780 | $642 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,626 | $2,469 | $570 | $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.
City of Alcester
Alcester, SD
City of Alcester | Alcester, SD
Cook. The cook at Clubhouse Grille will be responsible for preparing a variety of dishes with precision and care, ensuring that each meal meets our high st... more
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CH Patisserie
Sioux Falls, SD
CH Patisserie | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. NOW HIRING: Pastry Cooks – Multiple Levels. Join the team at CH Patisserie and work with a James Beard Nominated Chef. Ar... more
9 Days Ago
Avantara Norton
Sioux Falls, SD
Avantara Norton | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Are you looking for a rewarding career in Skilled Nursing. We are currently searching for full and part time Cooks and Di... more
7 Days Ago
The Barrel House
Sioux Falls, SD
The Barrel House | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Looking for high energy and positive minded individuals to add to our kitchen team. Great pay and great hours. We are an ... more
8 Days Ago
Mount Sinai Health System
ELMHURST, NY
Mount Sinai Health System | ELMHURST, NY
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai affiliated with New York City H + H/Elmhurst has an exciting opportunity for an Attending Anesthesiologist. Elm... more
2 Months Ago
Specialized Physical Therapy
CENTENNIAL, CO
Specialized Physical Therapy | CENTENNIAL, CO
Pelvic Floor/Ortho Split Physical Therapist: Centennial. Starting at $80,000 (depending on experience, schedule, and pelvic health expertise). Sign-on/Relo... more
6 Months Ago
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