Cook Cook Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

Cook Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Cook make in Pittsburgh, PA?

The average salary for a Cook is $36,096 per year in Pittsburgh, PA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, showing an average salary of $36,096 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, showing an average salary of $3,008 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, showing an average salary of $694 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, showing an average salary of $17 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cooks in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, earn a decent living. On average, they make about $36,096 per year. This salary range can vary based on experience and the type of kitchen they work in. More skilled cooks, who have worked in restaurants for several years, may earn more.

Cooks in Pittsburgh work in a variety of places. They can work in hotels, restaurants, or even hospitals. Each of these places has different needs and may pay slightly different wages. Here are some common places cooks work:

  • Hotels and restaurants
  • Hospitals
  • School cafeterias
  • Event caterers

Cook jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
View all Cook jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Job seekers looking for Cook positions around Pittsburgh, PA, will find competitive salaries in nearby cities. Lakewood, OH, leads with an average salary of $37,045, followed closely by Buffalo, NY, at $36,279. These cities offer attractive opportunities for those in the culinary field. Also in the mix are Lancaster, PA, and Detroit, MI, offering $35,763 and $35,456 respectively. Cincinnati, OH, and Columbus, OH, provide solid incomes at $35,219 and $35,021. Cleveland, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Dayton, OH, and Toledo, OH, round out the list with average salaries ranging from $34,729 to $33,425. These cities provide a range of options for cooks seeking both good pay and new opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Pittsburgh, PA, highlighting Lakewood, OH with the highest at $37,045 and Toledo, OH with the lowest at $33,425.

  1. Lakewood, OH
    Average Salary: $37,045
    Lakewood offers a vibrant culinary scene with numerous restaurants looking for skilled cooks. The area's diverse population means a variety of cuisines. Places like The Old Fashioned and The Patio on Detroit are known for hiring cooks with great talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Lakewood, OH


  2. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $36,279
    Buffalo's food scene is rich and varied, with many chefs looking to hire cooks with strong skills. The city's diverse population offers a wide range of cuisines. Popular spots like The Anchor Bar and Duff's famous wings often seek skilled culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Buffalo, NY


  3. Lancaster, PA
    Average Salary: $35,763
    Lancaster boasts a lively food industry, with many chefs eager to bring talented cooks into their kitchens. The area's Amish roots influence the local cuisine, adding unique flavors. Restaurants like The Lancaster Brewing Company and The Central Market often look for skilled culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Lancaster, PA


  4. Detroit, MI
    Average Salary: $35,456
    Detroit's food scene is booming, with chefs looking to add creative cooks to their teams. The city is known for its rich history in music and innovation, reflected in its food culture. Famous places like The Conant Farm and The Cass Corridor's eateries are always on the lookout for culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Detroit, MI


  5. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $35,219
    Cincinnati offers a diverse food scene with plenty of opportunities for cooks. The city is famous for its chili and other unique dishes. Places like The Flying Pig and The Butcher Shop often seek skilled cooks to join their teams.
    Find Cook jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  6. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $35,021
    Columbus has a growing culinary scene with many restaurants needing talented cooks. The city's food culture is vibrant, with a mix of traditional and modern dishes. Notable spots like Short North and The Southgate's eateries frequently look for culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Columbus, OH


  7. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $34,729
    Cleveland's food scene is diverse, with many chefs looking to hire skilled cooks. The city's unique culture influences its cuisine, offering a variety of dining options. Places like The Cleveland Institute of Art's café and The West Side Market often seek culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Cleveland, OH


  8. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $34,219
    Indianapolis has a vibrant food scene, with chefs eager to hire cooks with strong skills. The city's diverse population offers a wide range of cuisines. Places like The Murat Theatre District and The Mass Ave Arts District often look for culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  9. Dayton, OH
    Average Salary: $33,550
    Dayton boasts a lively food industry, with many chefs looking to bring talented cooks into their kitchens. The city's rich history and cultural diversity influence its cuisine. Restaurants like The Oregon District and The Huffman Promenade often seek culinary professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Dayton, OH


  10. Toledo, OH
    Average Salary: $33,425
    Toledo offers a unique culinary scene with many chefs seeking skilled cooks. The city's proximity to Lake Erie influences its seafood options. Local eateries like The Toledo Museum of Art's café and The Port of Toledo often look for culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Toledo, OH

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

Pittsburgh offers many good jobs for cooks, with some companies paying especially well. UPMC tops the list with an average salary of around $45,852. Other high-paying companies include FLIK Hospitality Group, First Watch, and Panda Restaurant Group. These companies provide stable jobs with good pay for those looking to work in the culinary field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, highlighting UPMC with the highest at $45,852 and The Pines of Mount Lebanon with the lowest at $37,835.

  1. UPMC
    Average Salary: $45,852
    UPMC is a leading healthcare provider offering diverse job opportunities for Cooks. Cook positions are available at UPMC's multiple hospital locations in Pittsburgh, including UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Mercy.


  2. FLIK Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $44,000
    FLIK Hospitality Group manages a number of dining locations in Pittsburgh. Cooks here enjoy competitive pay and benefits. FLIK's restaurants include FLIK Bistro and other various locations around Pittsburgh.


  3. First Watch
    Average Salary: $41,717
    First Watch is a popular breakfast and brunch restaurant. They provide excellent opportunities for Cooks to develop their skills. Cook positions can be found at their locations in Shadyside, South Side, and other areas.


  4. Panda Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $40,900
    Panda Restaurant Group operates several Panda Express locations in Pittsburgh. Cooks here work in a fast-paced environment. Locations include downtown Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.


  5. AVI Foodsystems, Inc
    Average Salary: $40,000
    AVI Foodsystems, Inc provides food services for various institutions. Cook positions are available at schools and hospitals in the Pittsburgh area. This company offers a stable work environment for Cooks.


  6. Cura
    Average Salary: $38,422
    Cura operates several senior living communities in Pittsburgh. Cooks here enjoy a supportive work environment. They work at multiple locations, including The Courtyards of Squirrel Hill.


  7. Little Sisters of The Poor
    Average Salary: $38,250
    Little Sisters of The Poor operates a retirement community in Pittsburgh. Cook positions offer a chance to work in a caring environment. They work at their location in Lawrenceville.


  8. RESORT LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES
    Average Salary: $38,200
    RESORT LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES provides senior living services. Cooks here work in a resort-like setting. They work at various locations in Pittsburgh, including The Residences at Frick Park.


  9. The Residence at Whitehall
    Average Salary: $38,000
    The Residence at Whitehall offers luxury senior living. Cook positions are available in a vibrant community setting. They work at their location in Squirrel Hill.


  10. The Pines of Mount Lebanon
    Average Salary: $37,835
    The Pines of Mount Lebanon provides assisted living and memory care services. Cooks here enjoy a peaceful work environment. They work at their location in Mount Lebanon.

Currently 17,282 Cook job openings, nationwide.

View Cook Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

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