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:
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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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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.
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:
| 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 |
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 Entry Level 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:
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.
| 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 |
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, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $34,090 |
| 2024 | $33,528 |
| 2025 | $33,301 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Entry Level Cook and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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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