Position
Salary

How much does a Cook make?

The average salary for a Cook is $35,394 per year in the US.

A cook's salary can vary based on experience and location. The average yearly salary for a cook is around $35,394. This means that many cooks earn close to this amount each year. Some cooks may earn more, especially if they work in high-end restaurants or have many years of experience.

Cooks can earn different amounts depending on where they work and what they specialize in. For example, a cook in a busy city might earn more than one in a small town. Cooks who specialize in certain types of cuisine, like Italian or French, might also earn more. The salary can also increase with experience and additional skills. Cooks who move up to head chef positions often see a significant increase in their earnings.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Cook?

Cook jobs offer good pay in many cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $50,872. Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, also provide strong salaries. Other top cities include Salinas, CA, Boston, MA, and Vallejo, CA. These cities offer competitive pay for cooks.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $50,872 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $42,420.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $50,872
    In San Francisco, culinary excellence is key. Many restaurants focus on fresh, local ingredients. Working here offers chances to learn from top chefs.
    Find Cook jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $48,421
    Seattle's food scene is vibrant and diverse. Many chefs here value sustainability. This city offers many opportunities to work in innovative kitchens.
    Find Cook jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $45,221
    San Jose is a tech hub with a growing food industry. Many local restaurants emphasize creativity. This city provides a dynamic environment for culinary growth.
    Find Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $45,182
    Salinas is known for its agriculture. Many chefs here use fresh, local produce. Working in this city offers a chance to be part of the farm-to-table movement.
    Find Cook jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $43,717
    Boston has a rich culinary history. Many chefs here are passionate about traditional recipes. This city offers many opportunities to learn and innovate in the kitchen.
    Find Cook jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $43,450
    Vallejo offers a mix of urban and coastal cuisine. Many local chefs focus on seafood and fresh ingredients. This city provides a unique culinary experience.
    Find Cook jobs in Vallejo, CA


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $43,232
    Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures. Many chefs here are creative and diverse. This city offers endless opportunities to explore different cuisines.
    Find Cook jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $42,836
    Santa Rosa is known for its wine country. Many chefs here use fresh, local ingredients. This city offers a chance to be part of a thriving culinary scene.
    Find Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $42,601
    Washington, DC, has a diverse culinary scene. Many chefs here value innovation. This city offers many opportunities to work in high-end restaurants.
    Find Cook jobs in Washington, DC


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $42,420
    San Diego offers a mix of coastal and international cuisine. Many chefs here focus on fresh, healthy ingredients. This city provides a vibrant environment for culinary growth.
    Find Cook jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Cook can work for?

Kitchen Craft Cookware offers one of the highest salaries for Cook jobs, with an average of $200,000. This makes it a top choice for those seeking a lucrative career in cooking. The State of Illinois also provides a competitive salary of $99,245, making it another excellent option for job seekers. Culinary Institute of America, TEEMA, and Scratch Restaurants Group also offer attractive salaries, with averages of $75,429, $75,240, and $69,706 respectively. These companies provide good opportunities for those looking to advance their culinary careers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs, highlighting Kitchen Craft Cookware with the highest at $200,000 and 1 Hotels with the lowest at $56,518.
  1. Kitchen Craft Cookware
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Kitchen Craft Cookware offers Cook positions with a focus on high-quality kitchen equipment. They operate in various locations across the United States, providing a dynamic work environment.


  2. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $99,245
    The State of Illinois provides Cook jobs in state-run facilities and institutions. They offer competitive salaries and benefits, with locations throughout Illinois.


  3. Culinary Institute of America
    Average Salary: $75,429
    The Culinary Institute of America offers Cook positions in their renowned culinary schools and restaurants. They provide a unique opportunity to learn and grow in the culinary arts, with locations in Hyde Park, NY, and Napa, CA.


  4. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $75,240
    TEEMA offers Cook jobs in their hospitality and event management services. They operate in various locations, providing a vibrant and fast-paced work environment.


  5. Scratch Restaurants Group
    Average Salary: $69,706
    Scratch Restaurants Group offers Cook positions in their casual dining restaurants. They operate in various locations, providing a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.


  6. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $68,783
    Sutter Health offers Cook jobs in their healthcare facilities. They provide a supportive work environment with locations throughout California.


  7. Prince Resorts Hawaii
    Average Salary: $65,398
    Prince Resorts Hawaii offers Cook positions in their luxury resorts. They provide a tropical work environment with locations on the islands of Oahu and Maui.


  8. The Walt Disney Company
    Average Salary: $62,470
    The Walt Disney Company offers Cook jobs in their theme parks and resorts. They provide a magical and family-friendly work environment with locations in Florida and California.


  9. Northwell Health
    Average Salary: $59,087
    Northwell Health offers Cook jobs in their healthcare facilities. They provide a supportive work environment with locations throughout New York.


  10. 1 Hotels
    Average Salary: $56,518
    1 Hotels offers Cook positions in their luxury hotels. They provide a stylish and modern work environment with locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

How to earn more as a Cook?

A Cook can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Specialization in a particular cuisine or cooking style can make a Cook more valuable. For example, mastering French cuisine or becoming a sushi chef can lead to higher-paying positions. Continuous learning and skill improvement are also crucial. Attending workshops, taking online courses, and gaining certifications can enhance a Cook's resume and open up better job opportunities.

Networking plays a significant role in earning more. Building relationships with other chefs, restaurant managers, and industry professionals can lead to job referrals and promotions. Taking on additional responsibilities, such as managing a kitchen or training new staff, can also increase earning potential. Lastly, seeking positions in high-demand areas or prestigious restaurants can lead to higher salaries. Cooks who are willing to relocate for the right opportunity can find better-paying jobs in cities with a high cost of living.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Cook:

  1. Specialize in a particular cuisine or cooking style.
  2. Attend workshops and take courses to improve skills.
  3. Build a strong network within the culinary industry.
  4. Take on additional responsibilities in the kitchen.
  5. Seek higher-paying positions in high-demand areas.

Currently 17,240 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
Overview
Cook
17,240 Job Openings