Entry Level Cook Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Level Cook make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Cook in the United States is $30,034 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $14.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $33,929
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $27,519 to $32,073
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $25,229
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View as table View as graph 25% $27,519 10% $25,229 90% $33,929 75% $32,073 $30,034 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Entry Level Cook Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $32,073 $2,673 $617 $15
Average $30,034 $2,503 $578 $14
25th Percentile $27,519 $2,293 $529 $13
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Key Factors That Influence Entry Level Cook Salaries

An Entry Level Cook'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.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Level Cook Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Cook'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $30,139
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $30,558
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $31,238
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $31,331
  • Expert (over 8 years): $31,486
Levels Salary
Entry Level Entry Level Cook$30,139
Intermediate Level Entry Level Cook$30,558
Senior Level Entry Level Cook$31,238
Specialist Level Entry Level Cook$31,331
Expert Level Entry Level Cook$31,486
$30,139 0 yr
$30,558 < 2 yrs
$31,238 2-4 yrs
$31,331 5-8 yrs
$31,486 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Entry Level Cook 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 Entry Level Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $33,254.
  • California: $33,128.
  • Massachusetts: $32,686.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Level Cooks

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: $37,882
  • San Francisco: $37,510
  • Oakland: $36,678

Entry Level Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Level Cook'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, 2026

Salary Trends for Entry Level Cook

Salaries for an Entry Level Cook can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $34,090 in 2023 to around $33,301 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Cook salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Entry Level Cook Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$34,090
2024
$33,528
2025
$33,301
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $34,090
2024 $33,528
2025 $33,301
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Entry Level Cook

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Entry Level Cook

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

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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.)

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