How much does a Cook make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Cook?

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- Build a solid reputation.
- Attend workshops and learn new techniques.
- Network with other professionals.
- Specialize in a particular type of cuisine.
- Gain certifications.



