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Salary

How much does a Cook make?

The average salary for a Cook is $35,727 per year in the US.

Cooks can earn a solid income in various settings, from restaurants to private homes. The average yearly salary for cooks stands at $35,727, offering a stable wage for those in the field. Cooks often begin their careers with salaries on the lower end of this range, gradually increasing as they gain experience and expertise.

Breaking down the salary distribution, about 3.94% of cooks earn less than $23,000 annually. At the other end, a small percentage, about 1.74%, earn more than $52,000 each year. Most cooks, around 18.99%, earn between $33,545 and $36,182 annually. This range highlights the typical earnings for those working in the field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Cook?

Cooks in San Francisco earn the highest salaries at an average of $50,849 annually. Seattle offers the second-highest pay, with cooks earning around $49,008 per year. San Jose follows closely, with an average salary of $45,306 for cooks. Other top-paying cities include Salinas, Vallejo, and Boston. Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, Washington DC, and San Diego also offer competitive salaries for culinary professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $50,849 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $42,740.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $50,849
    San Francisco offers a thriving food scene with diverse cuisines. Job seekers can find opportunities in top restaurants and hotels. The city's vibrant culture attracts many talented chefs.
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  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $49,008
    Seattle's love for fresh seafood makes it a great place for culinary professionals. Many renowned establishments seek skilled individuals. The city's progressive food culture drives innovation.
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  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $45,306
    San Jose's growing tech scene brings diverse dining options. Opportunities exist in upscale restaurants and casual eateries. The city's booming economy supports a robust job market.
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  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $44,969
    Salinas is known for its agricultural roots and fresh produce. Many local restaurants seek experienced cooks. The city's laid-back vibe makes it a pleasant place to work.
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  5. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $44,518
    Vallejo offers a mix of traditional and modern dining options. Opportunities abound in various types of restaurants. The city's historic charm adds to its appeal.
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  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $44,401
    Boston's rich culinary heritage attracts food lovers. Job seekers can find positions in high-end restaurants and charming bistros. The city’s educational institutions also create job opportunities.
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  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $43,838
    Los Angeles boasts a diverse food scene with many trendy restaurants. Opportunities are plentiful in both high-end and casual dining establishments. The city's entertainment industry fuels its culinary demand.
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  8. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $43,278
    Santa Rosa offers a welcoming environment with a mix of fine dining and casual eateries. Opportunities exist in local restaurants and hotels. The city’s wine country adds to its culinary appeal.
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  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $43,244
    Washington, DC's diverse population creates a rich culinary landscape. Many government and private sector restaurants seek skilled cooks. The city’s vibrant atmosphere offers endless opportunities.
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  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $42,740
    San Diego’s coastal location brings fresh seafood to the forefront. Opportunities exist in both upscale and casual dining. The city’s laid-back lifestyle makes it a great place to work.
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What are the best companies a Cook can work for?

Job seekers looking to enter the cooking industry can find great opportunities with high-paying companies. Kitchen Craft Cookware stands out with an impressive average salary of $200,000. Other notable employers include the State of Illinois, offering an average salary of nearly $98,000. Sutter Health, Scratch Restaurants Group, and Prince Resorts Hawaii also provide competitive compensation packages. These companies offer not only attractive salaries but also valuable career growth opportunities. Culinary Institute of America, The Walt Disney Company, and Northwell Health are among the employers that provide competitive pay and professional development. 1 Hotels and Community House Mental Health Agency also offer good salaries for those interested in culinary careers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs, highlighting Kitchen Craft Cookware with the highest at $200,000 and Community House Mental Health Agency with the lowest at $55,390.
  1. Kitchen Craft Cookware
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Kitchen Craft Cookware offers exciting opportunities for Cooks. They create top-quality cookware, so Cooks here use their skills to test and perfect these products. They have locations in many cities across the U.S.


  2. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $98,324
    The State of Illinois provides a variety of Cook positions in state offices and facilities. Cooks here prepare meals for staff and guests. They have locations across Illinois.


  3. Culinary Institute of America
    Average Salary: $74,667
    At the Culinary Institute of America, Cooks work in an educational setting. They prepare meals for students and staff and assist in cooking classes. Locations include Hyde Park, Napa Valley, and Singapore.


  4. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $69,664
    Sutter Health offers Cook positions in various hospitals and clinics. Cooks here prepare meals for patients and staff. They have locations in California.


  5. Scratch Restaurants Group
    Average Salary: $69,601
    Scratch Restaurants Group needs Cooks for their multiple restaurant locations. They focus on fresh, quality meals. Locations include multiple cities across the U.S.


  6. Prince Resorts Hawaii
    Average Salary: $64,627
    Prince Resorts Hawaii offers Cook positions in beautiful beach resorts. Cooks prepare meals for guests and staff. Locations include the islands of Hawaii.


  7. The Walt Disney Company
    Average Salary: $64,009
    The Walt Disney Company employs Cooks in their theme parks and resorts. They prepare meals for guests and staff. Locations include California, Florida, and international parks.


  8. Northwell Health
    Average Salary: $57,878
    Northwell Health employs Cooks in their hospitals and medical centers. They prepare meals for patients and staff. Locations include multiple areas in New York.


  9. 1 Hotels
    Average Salary: $55,864
    1 Hotels employs Cooks in their various hotel locations. They prepare meals for guests and staff. Locations include cities across the U.S.


  10. Community House Mental Health Agency
    Average Salary: $55,390
    Community House Mental Health Agency offers Cook positions in their facilities. They prepare meals for patients and staff. Locations include areas across the U.S.

How to earn more as a Cook?

Cooking is a fulfilling job that offers many opportunities to earn more. By focusing on certain areas, cooks can increase their income. Building a solid reputation can lead to more job offers and higher salaries. Attending workshops and learning new techniques can help cooks stand out. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also lead to better job opportunities.

Specializing in a particular type of cuisine can make a cook more valuable. Many chefs earn more by becoming experts in specific areas like molecular gastronomy or pastry. Gaining certifications can also boost a cook’s resume. These certifications show employers that the cook has the skills needed for advanced roles. Volunteering at events or cooking for charity can also increase a cook’s visibility in the community.

Taking on additional responsibilities can lead to higher pay. Many cooks earn more by becoming head chefs or managing kitchen staff. Opening a food truck or starting a catering business can also increase earnings. Entrepreneurs in the food industry often make more than employees. Exploring different types of cooking jobs, such as private chef or restaurant manager, can offer new income opportunities.

Investing in education can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Many successful chefs have formal training from culinary schools. These schools teach advanced cooking techniques and business skills. Attending conferences and culinary events can also help cooks learn new trends and networking opportunities.

  1. Build a solid reputation.
  2. Attend workshops and learn new techniques.
  3. Network with other professionals.
  4. Specialize in a particular type of cuisine.
  5. Gain certifications.

Currently 13,588 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.
Position
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Cook
13,588 Job Openings