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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Culinary Assistant in Pennsylvania is $33,291 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Culinary Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Culinary Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $35,747 | $2,979 | $687 | $17 |
| Average | $33,291 | $2,774 | $640 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,997 | $2,583 | $596 | $15 |
Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare - Mahanoy City, PA
Menno-Haven Inc - Chambersburg, PA
STR Behavioral Health - Warminster, PA
Menasha Packaging - Chambersburg, PA
A Culinary Assistant'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Culinary Assistant'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 Culinary Assistant | $32,749 |
| Intermediate Level Culinary Assistant | $32,813 |
| Senior Level Culinary Assistant | $33,648 |
| Specialist Level Culinary Assistant | $34,757 |
| Expert Level Culinary Assistant | $34,836 |
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 Culinary Assistants. 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 Culinary Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Culinary Assistant positions in Financial Services or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Culinary Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $43,278 | $21.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $41,614 | $20.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $39,949 | $19.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $38,285 | $18.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $36,620 | $18.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Culinary Assistant'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 | $35,747 | $2,979 | $687 | $17 |
| Average | $33,291 | $2,774 | $640 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,997 | $2,583 | $596 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Culinary Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Menno-Haven Inc
Chambersburg, PA
Menno-Haven Inc | Chambersburg, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Part-time / Non-exempt / Shift varies / Pay based on experience. The Culinary Assistant will assist in the preparation, d... more
2 Days Ago
Taste Buds Kitchen - State College
State College, PA
Taste Buds Kitchen - State College | State College, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Competitive salary. Employee discounts. Flexible schedule. If you have a passion for food, for making people sm... more
4 Days Ago
Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Hills
Canonsburg, PA
Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Hills | Canonsburg, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Culinary Specialist (Dietary Cook). Join Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Hills, a Group of Skilled Nursing Facil... more
2 Days Ago
Lifespace Communities
South Park Township, PA
Lifespace Communities | South Park Township, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Community. Friendship Village of South Hills. Address. . 1290 Boyce RoadUpper St Clair, Pennsylvania 15241. Pay Range. $1... more
3 Days Ago
Lifespace Communities
New Eagle, PA
Lifespace Communities | New Eagle, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Community. Friendship Village of South Hills. Address. . 1290 Boyce RoadUpper St Clair, Pennsylvania 15241. Pay Range. $1... more
3 Days Ago
Lifespace Communities
Pittsburgh, PA
Lifespace Communities | Pittsburgh, PA
Culinary Server. Live your purpose. Grow your career. Thrive through teamwork. Create meaningful, personalized experiences. At Lifespace, team members are ... more
3 Days Ago
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