As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Preschool Cook in the United States is $38,060 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Preschool Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Preschool 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Preschool 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 Preschool Cook | $37,645 |
| Intermediate Level Preschool Cook | $37,764 |
| Senior Level Preschool Cook | $38,355 |
| Specialist Level Preschool Cook | $39,414 |
| Expert Level Preschool Cook | $40,749 |
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 Preschool Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 8.91% |
| Healthcare Services | 5.35% |
| HACCP | 3.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$41,485 |
9%
|
|
Time Management
|
$40,343 |
6%
|
|
Assisted Living
|
$40,343 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$40,343 |
6%
|
|
Coaching
|
$39,963 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$39,582 |
4%
|
For Preschool Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Preschool Cook positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Preschool Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $47,574 | $23.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $45,672 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $45,672 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $43,769 | $21.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $41,866 | $20.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Preschool Cooks enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Preschool Cook with a No Diploma is between $39,539 and $41,869).
Preschool Cook Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.2% |
| High School | 53.5% |
| Associates | 30.3% |
| Bachelors | 10.0% |
| Masters | 0.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Preschool 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Preschool Cook can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,325 in 2023 to around $40,846 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Preschool Cook salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,325 |
| 2024 | $41,088 |
| 2025 | $40,846 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Preschool Cook roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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