How Much Does a Production Cook make?

Production Cook made a median salary around $36,563 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $43,030 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $33,202. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Production Cook jobs in Durham, North Carolina

Prepared Foods Cook / Food Production

Whole Foods Market - Chapel Hill, NC

Prepared Foods Cook / Food Production

Whole Foods Market - Greensboro, NC

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Best-Paying Cities for Production Cook

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Production Cook profession are Cary , Garner , Knightdale , Raleigh , Apex .
Cary, NC $36,821
Garner, NC $36,821
Knightdale, NC $36,821
Raleigh, NC $36,821
Apex, NC $36,788

Best-Paying States for Production Cook

The states and districts that pay Production Cook the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $41,529) , California (around $41,371) , Massachusetts (around $40,820) , Washington (around $40,670) , and New Jersey (around $40,655) .
District of Columbia $41,529
California $41,371
Massachusetts $40,820
Washington $40,670
New Jersey $40,655

What is the Career Path of Production Cook?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Production Cook, the first career path typically starts with a Cook II position , and then progresses to Cook III.

The second career path typically progresses to Cook - Institution.

The third career path typically progresses to Senior Line Cook.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically progresses to Senior Prep Cook.

Besides, Production Cook can also turn to other related jobs, including Cook III , Cook I , Cook II and Line Cook .

Frequently Asked Questions for Production Cook

Q: What is the salary range of Production Cook in Durham, NC?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Production Cook in Durham, NC earned an average annual salary of $33,202 , while the highest-paid made $43,030.
Q: What is the salary for a Production Cook in California?
A: Production Cook employed in California earned an average salary of $41,371 in 2025.

Average Production Cook Pay vs. Other Jobs

Production Cook earned an average salary of $36,563 in 2025. Other jobs related to Production Cook earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Cook III made $36,992 , Cook I made $32,989 , Cook II and Line Cook made $34,212 and $32,989 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Production Cook

Cook III - Average Salary $36,992
Prepares menu dishes following established recipes and using designated ingredients that meet production and quality standards. Utilizes portion and presentation standards to create appealing and flavorful dishes. May prepare unique dishes to fulfill customer requests. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Maintains a clean and orderly workstation and kitchen equipment. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a sous chef or executive chef. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Cook I - Average Salary $32,989
Prepares menu dishes following established recipes and using designated ingredients that meet production and quality standards. Utilizes portion and presentation standards to create appealing and flavorful dishes. May prepare unique dishes to fulfill customer requests. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Maintains a clean and orderly workstation and kitchen equipment. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a sous chef or executive chef. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Cook II - Average Salary $34,212
Prepares menu dishes following established recipes and using designated ingredients that meet production and quality standards. Utilizes portion and presentation standards to create appealing and flavorful dishes. May prepare unique dishes to fulfill customer requests. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Maintains a clean and orderly workstation and kitchen equipment. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a sous chef or executive chef. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Line Cook - Average Salary $32,989
Prepares menu dishes following established recipes and using designated ingredients that meet production and quality standards as part of a cooking line. Follows all portion and presentation specifications and proper preparation methods. Sets up and stocks workstation with all necessary supplies. Coordinates with other line cooks to ensure meals are delivered consistently and on time. Responsible for operating and maintaining a single workstation. May prepare sauces or garnishes. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a sous chef or executive chef. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Line Cook/Prep Cook - Average Salary $33,000
The Line Cook/Prep Cook follows all portion and presentation specifications and proper preparation methods. Prepares menu dishes following established recipes and using designated ingredients that meet production and quality standards as part of a cooking line. Being a Line Cook/Prep Cook coordinates with other line cooks to ensure meals are delivered consistently and on time. Sets up and stocks workstation with all necessary supplies. In addition, Line Cook/Prep Cook is responsible for operating and maintaining a single workstation. May prepare sauces or garnishes. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a sous chef or executive chef. Being a Line Cook/Prep Cook works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.