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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in Kentucky is $34,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Restaurant Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Restaurant Cook Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $36,494 | $3,041 | $702 | $18 |
| Average | $34,000 | $2,833 | $654 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,323 | $2,527 | $583 | $15 |
Huddle House - Bardstown, KY
Huddle House - Campbellsville, KY
Huddle House - Scottsville, KY
Huddle House - Standiford Group, Inc. - Leitchfield, KY
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 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:
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 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 | $42,499 | $20.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $40,799 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $40,799 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $40,799 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $37,400 | $18.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $36,494 | $3,041 | $702 | $18 |
| Average | $34,000 | $2,833 | $654 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,323 | $2,527 | $583 | $15 |
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.
Huddle House - Standiford Group, Inc.
Scottsville, KY
Huddle House - Standiford Group, Inc. | Scottsville, KY
Job Description. Job Description. HUDDLE HOUSE is a unique member of the communities it serves. The bonds created between our team members and our customer... more
4 Days Ago
Huddle House
Mayfield, KY
Huddle House | Mayfield, KY
Huddle House Restaurant Cook. HUDDLE HOUSE is a unique member of the communities it serves. The bonds created between our team members and our customers ar... more
4 Days Ago
Huddle House
Owensboro, KY
Huddle House | Owensboro, KY
Huddle House Restaurant Cook. HUDDLE HOUSE is a unique member of the communities it serves. The bonds created between our team members and our customers ar... more
4 Days Ago
Huddle House
Lawrenceburg, KY
Huddle House | Lawrenceburg, KY
Huddle House Restaurant Cook. HUDDLE HOUSE is a unique member of the communities it serves. The bonds created between our team members and our customers ar... more
4 Days Ago
Huddle House
Central City, KY
Huddle House | Central City, KY
Huddle House Restaurant Cook. HUDDLE HOUSE is a unique member of the communities it serves. The bonds created between our team members and our customers ar... more
1 Day Ago
Huddle House
Leitchfield, KY
Huddle House | Leitchfield, KY
Huddle House Restaurant Cook. HUDDLE HOUSE is a unique member of the communities it serves. The bonds created between our team members and our customers ar... more
1 Day Ago
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