Cook Salary in Milwaukee, WI

Updated on May 09, 2025
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City
Salary

How much does a Cook make in Milwaukee, WI?

The average salary for a Cook is $35,421 per year in Milwaukee, WI.

A Cook in Milwaukee, WI, can expect to earn a range of salaries. The average salary for this role is around $35,421 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, skills, and the type of establishment where the Cook works. For instance, those working in high-end restaurants or hotels may earn more than those in casual dining settings.

Cooks in Milwaukee can find opportunities in various settings, including restaurants, hotels, and catering services. Each of these environments offers different pay scales. Cooks with more experience or specialized skills, such as those who can prepare international cuisines, often earn higher wages. Additionally, those who work in busy urban areas may see higher salaries due to the increased demand for their services.

Cook jobs in Milwaukee, WI

What are the highest paying cities for a Cook near Milwaukee, WI?

Cooks near Milwaukee, WI, can find high-paying jobs in several nearby cities. Chicago, IL, offers the best pay, with an average salary of $39,339. Minneapolis, MN, follows closely with an average salary of $38,434. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking better pay. Other cities like Elgin, IL, and Aurora, IL, also offer competitive salaries. Elgin pays $35,358, and Aurora pays $34,882. These cities can be great options for cooks looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Milwaukee, WI, highlighting Chicago, IL with the highest at $39,339 and Oshkosh, WI with the lowest at $33,995.
  1. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $39,339
    Chicago offers a vibrant culinary scene with many high-end restaurants and hotels. Cooks here often work in fast-paced environments with diverse menus. Notable employers include the Michelin-starred Alinea and the upscale restaurant, Blackbird.
    Find Cook jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $38,434
    In Minneapolis, cooks enjoy a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. The city's many food festivals provide excellent opportunities for growth. Companies like Surly Brewing and the upscale restaurant, The Bachelor Farmer, are prominent employers.
    Find Cook jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  3. Elgin, IL
    Average Salary: $35,358
    Elgin provides a more relaxed atmosphere with a focus on community dining. Cooks here often work in family-owned restaurants and local cafes. The city's growing food scene offers many opportunities for culinary creativity.
    Find Cook jobs in Elgin, IL


  4. Aurora, IL
    Average Salary: $34,882
    Aurora has a diverse food market with many local eateries and chain restaurants. Cooks can find work in a variety of settings, from casual diners to upscale bistros. The city's growing population supports a steady demand for culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Aurora, IL


  5. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $34,502
    Madison offers a unique blend of farm-to-table dining and modern cuisine. Cooks in this city often work in innovative restaurants and food trucks. The university presence adds to the dynamic food culture, with many chefs experimenting with new flavors.
    Find Cook jobs in Madison, WI


  6. Waukesha, WI
    Average Salary: $34,339
    Waukesha provides a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options. Cooks here often work in family-owned restaurants and local cafes. The city's growing food scene offers many opportunities for culinary creativity.
    Find Cook jobs in Waukesha, WI


  7. Green Bay, WI
    Average Salary: $34,320
    Green Bay offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Cooks here often work in a mix of environments, preparing both local and international dishes. The city's strong community support makes it a great place for culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Green Bay, WI


  8. Iowa City, IA
    Average Salary: $34,113
    Iowa City provides a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. Cooks here often work in a variety of settings, from casual diners to upscale restaurants. The university presence adds to the dynamic food culture, with many chefs experimenting with new flavors.
    Find Cook jobs in Iowa City, IA


  9. Sheboygan, WI
    Average Salary: $34,011
    Sheboygan offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Cooks here often work in a mix of environments, preparing both local and international dishes. The city's strong community support makes it a great place for culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Sheboygan, WI


  10. Oshkosh, WI
    Average Salary: $33,995
    Oshkosh provides a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. Cooks here often work in a variety of settings, from casual diners to upscale restaurants. The city's strong community support makes it a great place for culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Oshkosh, WI

What are the best paying companies for a Cook in Milwaukee, WI?

Job seekers looking for cook positions in Milwaukee, WI, can find top-paying opportunities at Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, with an average salary of $50,088. The US Department of Veterans Affairs offers a competitive salary of $49,807. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino provides a salary of $40,598, making it another attractive option. Other notable employers include Advocate Aurora Health, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, and Saint John's On the Lake, all offering salaries above $38,000. These companies provide a range of benefits and career growth opportunities, making them excellent choices for those seeking a rewarding career in cooking.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Milwaukee, WI, highlighting Hilton Garden Inn Hotel with the highest at $50,088 and Healthcare Services Group with the lowest at $36,838.
  1. Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
    Average Salary: $50,088
    Hilton Garden Inn Hotel offers Cook positions with a competitive salary. This hotel is located in the heart of Milwaukee, providing a vibrant work environment. Cooks here prepare meals for hotel guests and staff, ensuring a high standard of quality.


  2. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $49,807
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides Cook jobs with a solid salary. This organization operates several facilities in Milwaukee, offering Cooks the chance to work in a supportive and community-focused environment. Cooks prepare meals for veterans and staff, ensuring nutritional needs are met.


  3. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
    Average Salary: $40,598
    Potawatomi Hotel & Casino offers Cook jobs with a good salary. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this casino offers Cooks the opportunity to work in a lively and dynamic setting. Cooks here prepare meals for guests and staff, ensuring a high level of service and quality.


  4. Advocate Aurora Health
    Average Salary: $40,576
    Advocate Aurora Health provides Cook positions with a competitive salary. This healthcare organization operates several hospitals in Milwaukee, offering Cooks the chance to work in a caring and supportive environment. Cooks prepare meals for patients and staff, ensuring nutritional needs are met.


  5. Marcus Hotels & Resorts
    Average Salary: $39,250
    Marcus Hotels & Resorts offers Cook jobs with a good salary. This hotel chain operates several properties in Milwaukee, providing Cooks with a dynamic work environment. Cooks prepare meals for hotel guests and staff, ensuring a high standard of quality and service.


  6. Saint John's On the Lake
    Average Salary: $38,736
    Saint John's On the Lake provides Cook positions with a solid salary. This healthcare facility offers Cooks the chance to work in a caring and supportive environment. Cooks prepare meals for patients and staff, ensuring nutritional needs are met.


  7. Chesapeake Services
    Average Salary: $38,000
    Chesapeake Services offers Cook jobs with a competitive salary. This company operates in Milwaukee, providing Cooks with a stable and supportive work environment. Cooks prepare meals for clients, ensuring quality and nutritional standards are met.


  8. Compass Group
    Average Salary: $38,000
    Compass Group provides Cook positions with a competitive salary. This company operates in Milwaukee, offering Cooks the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment. Cooks prepare meals for clients, ensuring quality and nutritional standards are met.


  9. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    Average Salary: $36,923
    The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers Cook jobs with a good salary. This educational institution provides Cooks with a supportive and dynamic work environment. Cooks prepare meals for students and staff, ensuring nutritional needs are met.


  10. Healthcare Services Group
    Average Salary: $36,838
    Healthcare Services Group provides Cook positions with a solid salary. This company operates in Milwaukee, offering Cooks the chance to work in a caring and supportive environment. Cooks prepare meals for patients and staff, ensuring nutritional needs are met.

Currently 19,988 Cook job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Cook does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Cook today.
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Cook
19,988 Job Openings