Position
Salary

How much does a Cook make?

The average salary for a Cook is $36,048 per year in the US.

Cooks enjoy a diverse range of salaries based on their experience and location. The average yearly salary for a cook stands at around $36,048. This figure provides a good baseline, but individual earnings can vary. Cooks who have worked for many years typically earn more. Their experience allows them to perform their duties efficiently and sometimes even specialize in certain types of cuisine.

Here is a breakdown of the salary range for cooks:

  1. 23,000 USD for the lowest 10% of earners.
  2. 25,695 USD for the next 10%.
  3. 28,391 USD for the following 10%.
  4. 31,086 USD for the 10% above that.
  5. 33,782 USD for the top 10% of earners.
The pay scale shows a clear progression as cooks gain more experience and skill.

View Cook jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Cook?

Cooks in San Francisco earn the highest salaries nationwide, averaging around $51,218 annually. Other top-paying cities include Seattle, where cooks earn about $49,590 per year. Los Angeles, with its bustling food scene, pays cooks an average of $44,845 per year.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $51,218 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $43,331.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $51,218
    In San Francisco, culinary professionals can find diverse job opportunities in upscale restaurants and trendy eateries. Many top restaurants and hotel chains, such as the Fairmont and the Ritz-Carlton, seek skilled cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $49,590
    Seattle offers a vibrant food scene with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Positions are available in popular dining spots and seafood restaurants. Companies like The Pink Door and Commis seek experienced cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $45,881
    Salinas provides a mix of agricultural-focused kitchens and family-owned restaurants. Cooks can find work in local eateries and farm-to-table establishments. Companies like Tanimura & Antle look for dedicated culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $45,672
    San Jose's diverse culinary landscape offers roles in everything from tech company cafeterias to upscale dining. Companies such as Cisco Systems and local restaurants hire skilled cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $45,375
    Boston's rich food culture means cooks can find jobs in historic settings and modern kitchens. Places like Legal Sea Foods and Union Oyster House provide opportunities in the city's vibrant culinary scene.
    Find Cook jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $44,845
    Los Angeles offers a vast array of culinary positions in a dynamic and diverse food industry. From Hollywood eateries to street food vendors, cooks can explore many options. Notable companies include Wolfgang Puck's restaurants.
    Find Cook jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $44,127
    Washington, DC, has a thriving food scene with many government-related dining options. Cooks can find work in prestigious hotels and gourmet restaurants. Companies such as the Willard InterContinental seek culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $43,954
    Vallejo's food industry offers opportunities in both military and civilian kitchens. Cooks can find positions in local restaurants and military bases. Companies like the Naval Supply Systems Command look for skilled professionals.
    Find Cook jobs in Vallejo, CA


  9. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $43,639
    Santa Rosa boasts a thriving wine country culinary scene. Cooks can work in wineries, upscale restaurants, and local eateries. Companies such as Wine Country Gourmet seek skilled culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $43,331
    San Diego's diverse culinary landscape offers many opportunities, from beachfront eateries to farm-to-table restaurants. Companies like The Fish Market and local chains provide diverse job options for cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Cook can work for?

Cook jobs at Kitchen Craft Cookware offer some of the highest salaries, averaging around $200,000 a year. Cooks can also find good pay at the State of Illinois, with an average salary of nearly $100,624. Positions at Scratch Restaurants Group, Sutter Health, and Prince Resorts Hawaii provide attractive salaries as well, with averages above $60,000. Many job seekers will find these companies competitive and rewarding for a career in cooking.
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 $56,808.
  1. Kitchen Craft Cookware
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Kitchen Craft Cookware offers exciting Cook positions. They provide top-notch training and career growth. Their locations include major cities across the U.S.


  2. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $100,624
    The State of Illinois provides various Cook roles in government facilities. Cooks here enjoy good benefits and job stability. They operate in cities and towns throughout Illinois.


  3. Scratch Restaurants Group
    Average Salary: $69,302
    Scratch Restaurants Group has Cook jobs with a creative environment. Cooks here are part of a dynamic team. They are located in several states.


  4. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $67,846
    Sutter Health offers Cook positions in healthcare settings. They focus on staff well-being and offer competitive salaries. Sutter operates in California.


  5. Prince Resorts Hawaii
    Average Salary: $64,530
    Prince Resorts Hawaii provides Cook jobs with a tropical setting. Cooks here enjoy beautiful locations and a resort environment. They operate in Hawaii.


  6. The Walt Disney Company
    Average Salary: $64,224
    The Walt Disney Company offers Cook positions in their theme parks. They provide a fun and engaging work environment. They operate in Florida and California.


  7. Northwell Health
    Average Salary: $60,527
    Northwell Health offers Cook roles in healthcare facilities. They focus on employee well-being and career development. They operate in New York.


  8. Outrigger Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $58,896
    Outrigger Hospitality Group provides Cook positions in their hotels. They offer a great work culture and competitive salaries. They operate in Hawaii and Guam.


  9. UC Davis Health
    Average Salary: $57,636
    UC Davis Health offers Cook jobs in their medical center. They focus on employee growth and provide good benefits. They operate in California.


  10. 1 Hotels
    Average Salary: $56,808
    1 Hotels provides Cook positions in their hotels. They offer a unique hotel culture and competitive salaries. They operate in several states.

How to earn more as a Cook?

Becoming a cook can lead to a fulfilling career with many opportunities for growth and higher earnings. Many cooks find ways to increase their income through various means. This article explores how to earn more in this profession.

Experience is one of the key factors in earning more. Cooks who gain experience often see higher pay. Specialized skills, such as mastering a particular cuisine, can also lead to better job offers. Networking within the culinary industry opens doors to higher-paying positions. Taking on additional responsibilities, like managing a kitchen or overseeing a team, can also boost earnings. Continuing education, such as advanced culinary courses, can lead to promotions and higher salaries.

Consider these factors to increase earnings as a cook:

  1. Gain experience in various kitchen settings.
  2. Develop specialized skills in a particular cuisine.
  3. Network with other professionals in the culinary industry.
  4. Take on leadership roles in the kitchen.
  5. Pursue continuing education and certifications.

Currently 18,145 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
18,145 Job Openings