Cook Cook Salary in Brookings, SD

Cook Salary in Brookings, SD

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Cook make in Brookings, SD?

The average salary for a Cook is $36,373 per year in Brookings, SD.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Brookings, SD, showing an average salary of $36,373 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Brookings, SD, showing an average salary of $3,031 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Brookings, SD, showing an average salary of $699 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Brookings, SD, showing an average salary of $17 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Brookings, South Dakota, cooks enjoy a variety of opportunities to apply their culinary skills. The average yearly salary for a cook in this area is around $36,373. Cooks can work in many settings, such as restaurants, hotels, or schools. Each place may offer different pay rates.

The salary range for cooks in Brookings provides a clear picture of potential earnings. Here is a look at the different pay levels:

  • 2.64% of cooks earn around $30,000
  • 5.28% of cooks earn around $31,111
  • 9.24% of cooks earn around $32,222
  • 6.60% of cooks earn around $33,333
  • 6.60% of cooks earn around $34,444
  • 11.88% of cooks earn around $35,555
  • 7.92% of cooks earn around $36,665
  • 25.07% of cooks earn around $37,776
  • 5.28% of cooks earn around $38,887
  • 3.96% of cooks earn around $39,998
  • 10.56% of cooks earn around $41,109
  • 5.28% of cooks earn around $42,220

Cook jobs in Brookings, SD
View all Cook jobs in Brookings, SD

What are the highest paying cities for a Cook near Brookings, SD?

Job seekers looking for Cook roles near Brookings, SD, may find attractive opportunities in nearby cities. Fargo, ND, offers the highest average salary at $38,619. Nearby, Yankton, SD, provides a competitive average salary of $37,888. These figures indicate strong earning potential in the region.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Brookings, SD, highlighting Fargo, ND with the highest at $38,619 and Watertown, SD with the lowest at $35,204.

  1. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $38,619
    In Fargo, kitchen professionals find a range of opportunities in hospitality. Key employers include local hotels and fine dining restaurants, offering diverse culinary experiences. The city's vibrant food scene makes it an exciting place for culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Fargo, ND


  2. Yankton, SD
    Average Salary: $37,888
    Yankton offers a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options. Cooks here enjoy a slower pace, allowing for attention to detail in their craft. The city’s historic charm enhances the dining experience, drawing in locals and tourists alike.
    Find Cook jobs in Yankton, SD


  3. Custer, SD
    Average Salary: $37,277
    In Custer, culinary professionals thrive in a picturesque setting. The town’s mix of seasonal diners and lodges provides a unique culinary experience. Cooks here can enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills while creating delicious meals.
    Find Cook jobs in Custer, SD


  4. Pierre, SD
    Average Salary: $37,157
    Pierre provides a balanced environment for culinary careers. The city’s dining establishments value quality and creativity, offering cooks a chance to innovate. Its central location in South Dakota makes it a hub for local flavors.
    Find Cook jobs in Pierre, SD


  5. Grand Forks, ND
    Average Salary: $36,467
    Grand Forks offers a vibrant food culture with many opportunities for cooks. The city’s universities and local eateries create a dynamic work environment. Professionals here can explore a range of culinary styles and techniques.
    Find Cook jobs in Grand Forks, ND


  6. Sioux Falls, SD
    Average Salary: $36,415
    Sioux Falls boasts a growing culinary scene with many high-quality restaurants. Cooks enjoy working in a city that values fresh, local ingredients. The diverse dining options cater to a wide range of palates, making it an exciting place to work.
    Find Cook jobs in Sioux Falls, SD


  7. Mitchell, SD
    Average Salary: $35,952
    Mitchell offers a family-friendly environment for cooks. The city’s eateries emphasize home-style cooking, providing a cozy atmosphere. Cooks here can build strong community connections and enjoy a slower pace of life.
    Find Cook jobs in Mitchell, SD


  8. Marshall, MN
    Average Salary: $35,678
    Marshall’s dining scene features a mix of casual and upscale restaurants. Cooks here have the opportunity to work in a supportive environment. The city’s community focus makes it a great place for culinary professionals to thrive.
    Find Cook jobs in Marshall, MN


  9. Aberdeen, SD
    Average Salary: $35,285
    Aberdeen provides a range of culinary opportunities with local favorites and chain restaurants. Cooks here enjoy a blend of traditional and modern cuisine. The city’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to work.
    Find Cook jobs in Aberdeen, SD


  10. Watertown, SD
    Average Salary: $35,204
    In Watertown, cooks can enjoy a vibrant dining scene with many local favorites. The city’s hospitality industry values skilled professionals. Cooks here can explore both classic and innovative dishes in a friendly environment.
    Find Cook jobs in Watertown, SD

What are the best paying companies for a Cook in Brookings, SD?

Looking for a cook job in Brookings, SD? Brookings Health System offers one of the best salaries for this role at an average of $41,168. Sodexo and Applebee’s also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $37,750 and $37,500, respectively. These companies show that skilled cooks can earn good incomes in Brookings.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Brookings, SD, highlighting Brookings Health System with the highest at $41,168 and M.G. Oil Company with the lowest at $30,450.

  1. Brookings Health System
    Average Salary: $41,168
    Brookings Health System offers rewarding Cook positions with a focus on quality care. This company operates in Brookings, SD, and surrounding areas. Cooks prepare meals for patients and staff, ensuring nutrition and satisfaction.


  2. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $37,750
    Sodexo provides diverse Cook roles in the food service industry. Working with Sodexo in Brookings, SD, and beyond, Cooks create meals for schools, hospitals, and corporate settings. This role emphasizes teamwork and customer service.


  3. Applebee's
    Average Salary: $37,500
    Applebee's offers Cook jobs with opportunities to work in casual dining. Located in Brookings, SD, and many other cities, Cooks prepare American fare in a lively atmosphere. This role values speed, teamwork, and customer satisfaction.


  4. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
    Average Salary: $36,567
    The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe provides Cook positions in their dining facilities. This company operates in Brookings, SD, and surrounding areas. Cooks prepare traditional and contemporary dishes, focusing on community and culture.


  5. Hy-Vee, Inc.
    Average Salary: $35,400
    Hy-Vee, Inc. offers Cook jobs in their grocery stores and restaurants. Operating in Brookings, SD, and other locations, Cooks prepare meals for customers. This role emphasizes quality, efficiency, and customer service.


  6. Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill
    Average Salary: $34,764
    Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill provides Cook positions in their casual dining establishment. Located in Brookings, SD, Cooks prepare delicious meals using wood-fired cooking. This role values creativity, teamwork, and a welcoming atmosphere.


  7. MUSIC SERVICE
    Average Salary: $32,225
    MUSIC SERVICE offers Cook roles in their dining facilities. Operating in Brookings, SD, and other areas, Cooks prepare meals for students and staff. This role emphasizes consistency, efficiency, and a welcoming environment.


  8. M.G. Oil Company
    Average Salary: $30,450
    M.G. Oil Company offers Cook positions in their employee cafeterias. Operating in Brookings, SD, and beyond, Cooks prepare meals for staff. This role values reliability, efficiency, and a supportive work environment.

Currently 12,288 Cook job openings, nationwide.

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