How much does a Cook make in Pittsburgh, PA?
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
What are the highest paying cities for a Cook near Pittsburgh, PA?

-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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?

-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
What are the best paying Cook related jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

-
Fast Food Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $71,993
Manage the day-to-day operations of a fast food location. Oversee staff, maintain quality, and ensure customer satisfaction. Work for establishments like McDonald's or Wendy's.
Find Fast Food Restaurant Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $53,876
Supervise all restaurant operations. Ensure a smooth workflow and high customer service. Companies like P.F. Chang's and The Cheesecake Factory offer such roles.
Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Sous Chef
Average Salary: $53,617
Assist the head chef in kitchen duties. Manage prep work and team performance. Look for positions at high-end establishments like The Aviary or Butcher & the Boar.
Find Sous Chef jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Dietary Manager
Average Salary: $51,936
Plan and oversee meal services. Ensure diets meet nutritional needs. Work in settings like hospitals or schools in the city.
Find Dietary Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Catering Manager
Average Salary: $51,645
Coordinate catering services for events. Handle logistics and ensure quality. Companies like Bon Appétit cater to many events in the area.
Find Catering Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $47,104
Oversee kitchen staff and operations. Ensure efficiency and food quality. Apply at chains like Panera Bread or local favorites like Primanti Brothers.
Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Restaurant Supervisor
Average Salary: $45,497
Ensure smooth restaurant operations. Support staff and manage shifts. Opportunities exist at restaurants like The Capital Grille and local bistros.
Find Restaurant Supervisor jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Pastry Chef
Average Salary: $40,174
Create delightful desserts and baked goods. Manage pastry production. Seek positions at bakeries like Pittsburgh Chocolate or Bouchon Bakery.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Floor Supervisor
Average Salary: $39,355
Manage the restaurant's front-of-house staff. Ensure excellent customer service. Apply at places like The Melting Pot or local diners.
Find Floor Supervisor jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Caterer
Average Salary: $37,026
Prepare and deliver food for events. Manage logistics and ensure timely service. Work for event companies or independently.
Find Caterer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA



