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Salary

How much does a Cook make in Hershey, PA?

The average salary for a Cook is $38,106 per year in Hershey, PA.

In Hershey, Pennsylvania, cooks enjoy a variety of opportunities. The average yearly salary for cooks in this area is around $38,106. This number can change based on the type of work and experience. Cooks often start at the lower end of the pay scale but can earn more as they gain experience and skills.

Cooks in Hershey have several options to consider. The lowest-paid 10% earn around $30,000 a year, while the top 10% can make over $51,000. Breaking it down, here are some typical salaries for cooks:

  • $30,000 for the lowest-paid 10%
  • $37,884 for those in the middle
  • $51,680 for the highest-paid 10%
Choosing the right path can help cooks advance their careers and increase their earnings.

Cook jobs in Hershey, PA

What are the highest paying cities for a Cook near Hershey, PA?

Cooks in Palmyra, PA, earn the highest salaries near Hershey, PA, averaging around $36,822 annually. Close by, Quakertown, PA, and Pottstown, PA, also offer competitive pay for cooks. These cities provide good opportunities for cooks seeking higher earnings in the area.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Hershey, PA, highlighting Palmyra, PA with the highest at $36,822 and Carlisle, PA with the lowest at $34,067.
  1. Palmyra, PA
    Average Salary: $36,822
    In Palmyra, PA, cooks enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere. Local eateries value fresh, local ingredients, offering a vibrant food scene for culinary enthusiasts. Opportunities exist in family-run restaurants and community cafes.
    Find Cook jobs in Palmyra, PA


  2. Quakertown, PA
    Average Salary: $36,355
    Quakertown, PA, is a place where culinary skills shine in family-owned businesses. With a strong focus on quality and community, cooks can find fulfilling roles in local diners and upscale restaurants. The city’s rich history adds charm to its dining culture.
    Find Cook jobs in Quakertown, PA


  3. Pottstown, PA
    Average Salary: $36,146
    Pottstown, PA, offers a variety of cooking jobs in both casual and fine dining settings. The city’s diverse food landscape provides cooks with opportunities to experiment with various cuisines. Local markets supply fresh ingredients, enhancing the cooking experience.
    Find Cook jobs in Pottstown, PA


  4. Lancaster, PA
    Average Salary: $36,061
    Lancaster, PA, presents a rich culinary environment with a blend of traditional and modern dining. Cooks can thrive in the vibrant food industry, known for its farm-to-table approach. The city’s historical charm adds to the dining experience for both cooks and customers.
    Find Cook jobs in Lancaster, PA


  5. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $35,374
    Allentown, PA, is a bustling city with a dynamic food scene. Cooks can find positions in various types of establishments, from local diners to upscale restaurants. The area's growing culinary culture offers plenty of opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Cook jobs in Allentown, PA


  6. Mechanicsburg, PA
    Average Salary: $34,959
    In Mechanicsburg, PA, cooks benefit from a community that values fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The city’s dining scene includes a mix of family-owned businesses and modern cafes, providing diverse culinary experiences for cooks to explore.
    Find Cook jobs in Mechanicsburg, PA


  7. Bethlehem, PA
    Average Salary: $34,671
    Bethlehem, PA, offers a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of cooking opportunities. Cooks can work in everything from traditional diners to contemporary restaurants. The city’s cultural diversity enriches its food offerings, making it a great place for culinary creativity.
    Find Cook jobs in Bethlehem, PA


  8. Harrisburg, PA
    Average Salary: $34,541
    Harrisburg, PA, provides a range of cooking jobs in both casual and fine dining establishments. The city’s dining scene is supported by a mix of local and international influences, offering cooks a diverse set of experiences. Opportunities in both the public and private sectors are available.
    Find Cook jobs in Harrisburg, PA


  9. Easton, PA
    Average Salary: $34,469
    Easton, PA, is known for its lively food culture and offers many cooking positions. Cooks can find roles in charming local restaurants and contemporary cafes. The city’s focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients provides a rewarding environment for culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Easton, PA


  10. Carlisle, PA
    Average Salary: $34,067
    Carlisle, PA, presents an exciting culinary landscape with plenty of opportunities for cooks. The city’s dining establishments value creativity and quality, offering a range of positions from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Fresh, local ingredients enhance the cooking experience here.
    Find Cook jobs in Carlisle, PA

What are the best paying companies for a Cook in Hershey, PA?

Job seekers aiming for a Cook position in Hershey, PA can find top-paying options at the Milton Hershey School. This school offers a salary of $56,610 per year. First Watch also provides competitive pay at $40,052 annually, making it a good choice for those in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Hershey, PA, highlighting Milton Hershey School with the highest at $56,610 and Bright Horizons Family Solutions with the lowest at $28,450.
  1. Milton Hershey School
    Average Salary: $56,610
    Milton Hershey School offers competitive salaries for Cook jobs. This school is known for its caring environment and dedication to student growth. Cooks at this location in Hershey, PA, help prepare meals for students and staff.


  2. First Watch
    Average Salary: $40,052
    First Watch provides a dynamic work environment with good pay for cooks. This restaurant chain is popular for its breakfast, lunch, and brunch options. Cooks at the Hershey location help create a warm and inviting atmosphere for customers.


  3. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $39,857
    Sodexo offers a stable salary for cooks who want to work in a large organization. This company operates in many places, including schools, hospitals, and corporations. Cooks at Sodexo in Hershey, PA, prepare meals for various clients.


  4. The Hershey Company
    Average Salary: $36,333
    The Hershey Company is well-known for its chocolate. They also offer good pay for Cook jobs. Cooks here might work in cafeterias or special events. Locations include Hershey, PA, and surrounding areas.


  5. Metz Culinary Management
    Average Salary: $34,414
    Metz Culinary Management provides opportunities for cooks in various settings, from hotels to corporate dining. Salaries are competitive, and cooks play an important role in guest satisfaction. Locations include Hershey, PA, and nearby cities.


  6. Country Meadows Retirement Communities
    Average Salary: $32,923
    Country Meadows offers good salaries for cooks in retirement communities. They focus on providing a comfortable living environment. Cooks prepare meals for residents, ensuring they enjoy quality food. Locations include Hershey, PA, and surrounding areas.


  7. Bright Horizons Family Solutions
    Average Salary: $28,450
    Bright Horizons offers salaries for cooks in their childcare centers. They focus on providing a nurturing environment for children and their families. Cooks prepare healthy meals for children and staff. Locations include Hershey, PA, and nearby regions.

Currently 14,616 Cook job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Cook in the US?

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Cook
14,616 Job Openings