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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Professional Cook in New Jersey is $101,231 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Professional Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Professional Cook Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $116,758 | $9,730 | $2,245 | $56 |
| Average | $101,231 | $8,436 | $1,947 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,379 | $7,282 | $1,680 | $42 |
A Professional 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 a Professional 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 |
|---|---|
| Merchant ... Level Professional Cook | $50,098 |
| Merchant ... Level Professional Cook | $57,367 |
| Merchant ... Level Professional Cook | $66,767 |
| Fraud Det... Level Professional Cook | $74,081 |
| Professio... Level Professional Cook | $104,117 |
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 Professional 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 Professional Cook roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Professional Cook positions in Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Professional Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $121,477 | $58.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Professional 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 | $116,758 | $9,730 | $2,245 | $56 |
| Average | $101,231 | $8,436 | $1,947 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,379 | $7,282 | $1,680 | $42 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Professional Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Aramark
BETHANY, WV
Aramark
KELLYS, LA
Aramark
COMMERCE PARK, LA
Aramark
DANBURY, CT
Aramark
DARIEN, CT
Aramark
RIDGEFIELD, CT
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