As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in the United States is $36,131 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:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
Smart Recruiting
A Restaurant 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.
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:
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $45,164 | $22.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $43,357 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $43,357 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $43,357 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $39,744 | $19.0 | 10% |
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
| 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% |
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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Restaurant Cook can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $36,050 in 2023 to around $35,070 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Restaurant Cook salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $36,050 |
| 2024 | $35,641 |
| 2025 | $35,070 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Restaurant Cook and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Restaurant Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
