As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cook in the United States is $47,108 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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 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 Cook | $37,649 |
| Intermediate Level Cook | $37,945 |
| Senior Level Cook | $38,537 |
| Specialist Level Cook | $39,418 |
| Expert Level Cook | $40,619 |
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 Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 8.4% |
| Food Service | 3.6% |
| Safety Regulations | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$56,059 |
19%
|
|
Coaching
|
$51,819 |
10%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$50,877 |
8%
|
|
Food Safety
|
$50,406 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$50,406 |
7%
|
|
Foodservice
|
$49,935 |
6%
|
For Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cook positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $61,241 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $58,885 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $56,530 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $54,174 | $26.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $51,819 | $25.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 Cook with a No Diploma is between $38,281 and $41,120).
Cook Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.3% |
| High School | 43.4% |
| Associates | 37.6% |
| Bachelors | 15.7% |
| Masters | 0.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a 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 Cook can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,329 in 2023 to around $40,850 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cook salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,329 |
| 2024 | $41,092 |
| 2025 | $40,850 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Cook roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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