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Restaurant Cook Salary in the United States

How much does a Restaurant Cook make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in the United States is $36,133 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,201
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $32,224 to $38,786
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $28,665
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Restaurant Cook Salaries

A Restaurant Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Restaurant 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 Restaurant Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $40,006.
  • California: $39,854.
  • Massachusetts: $39,323.

Top Paying Cities for Restaurant 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: $45,574
  • San Francisco: $45,075
  • Oakland: $44,125

Restaurant Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Restaurant Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Restaurant Cook positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Restaurant Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Restaurant Cook

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$45,166$22.025%
Healthcare$43,359$21.020%
Internet$43,359$21.020%
Software & Networking$43,359$21.020%
Energy & Utilities$39,746$19.010%

How Education impacts a Restaurant Cook's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Restaurant 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 Restaurant Cook with a No Diploma is between $39,422 and $41,396).

Restaurant Cook Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Restaurant Cook
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.8%
High School 30.8%
Associates 42.3%
Bachelors 19.2%
Masters 3.8%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Restaurant Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Restaurant 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 September 01, 2026
$32,224
Average $36,133/year
$38,786
$2,685
Average $3,011/month
$3,232
$620
Average $695/week
$746
$15
Average $17/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $38,786 $3,232 $746 $19
Average $36,133 $3,011 $695 $17
25th Percentile $32,224 $2,685 $620 $15

Most common benefits for Restaurant Cook

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Restaurant Cook

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

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FAQ about Restaurant Cook

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Restaurant Cook?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Restaurant Cook roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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