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Salary

How much does a Cook make?

The average salary for a Cook is $35,273 per year in the US.

Cooks play a vital role in many settings, from restaurants to homes. They prepare meals and ensure food safety. The salary for cooks can vary based on experience and location. On average, cooks earn about $35,273 per year. This figure can change depending on the type of establishment and the region where they work.


Cooks can expect to earn different amounts based on their experience. Entry-level cooks might start around $22,900. As they gain more experience, they can earn up to $51,000 or more. Factors like location and the type of kitchen also affect earnings. For example, cooks in busy cities or high-end restaurants may earn more. Understanding these factors can help cooks make informed decisions about their career paths.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Cook?

Cooks in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. With an average salary of $50,566, this city offers excellent opportunities for culinary professionals. Seattle, WA, and Salinas, CA, also provide competitive wages for cooks, making them attractive locations for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $50,566 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $42,213.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $50,566
    In San Francisco, culinary excellence is key. Cooks work in high-end restaurants and trendy cafes. Companies like Fog Harbor Fish House offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $48,166
    Seattle's vibrant food scene makes it a great place for cooks. The city's love for fresh seafood and coffee shines in its kitchens. Pike Place Market is a popular spot for culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $45,217
    Salinas offers a unique culinary experience. The city's agricultural roots provide fresh ingredients. Cooks here are part of a close-knit community that values quality food.
    Find Cook jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $45,038
    San Jose's diverse population creates a rich culinary landscape. Cooks here blend different cuisines to create unique dishes. Companies like The Tech Interactive offer catering services.
    Find Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $43,467
    Boston's historic charm extends to its food. Cooks here work in both traditional and modern settings. The city's many universities create a demand for diverse dining options.
    Find Cook jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $42,950
    Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures. Cooks here enjoy a variety of cuisines. The city's entertainment industry offers many opportunities in catering and event cooking.
    Find Cook jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $42,745
    Santa Rosa's wine country vibe adds a special touch to its food. Cooks here focus on fresh, local ingredients. The city's many wineries create a demand for culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $42,335
    Vallejo offers a mix of coastal and urban flavors. Cooks here work in a variety of settings, from casual diners to upscale restaurants. The city's waterfront location influences its cuisine.
    Find Cook jobs in Vallejo, CA


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $42,298
    San Diego's sunny climate and fresh seafood make it a great place for cooks. The city's diverse population creates a rich culinary scene. Companies like the USS Midway Museum offer unique dining experiences.
    Find Cook jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $42,213
    Washington, DC's political scene creates a demand for high-quality catering. Cooks here work in both formal and casual settings. The city's many embassies offer diverse dining opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in Washington, DC

What are the best companies a Cook can work for?

Kitchen Craft Cookware offers some of the highest salaries for Cook jobs, with an average of $200,000. This company values skilled cooks and rewards them with competitive pay. The State of Illinois, TEEMA, and Culinary Institute of America also provide attractive salaries for cooks, ranging from $97,382 to $75,240.
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 $56,522.
  1. Kitchen Craft Cookware
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Kitchen Craft Cookware offers top-tier Cook positions with competitive salaries. They focus on high-quality kitchen tools and appliances. Locations include their headquarters, manufacturing plants, and retail stores across the United States.


  2. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $97,382
    The State of Illinois provides Cook jobs with a strong average salary. They offer positions in various government facilities and institutions. Cooks work in locations throughout the state, including Chicago, Springfield, and other major cities.


  3. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $75,240
    TEEMA offers Cook positions with a good average salary. They work in the hospitality industry, providing food services in hotels and resorts. Their Cooks work in locations across the United States, including California, Florida, and New York.


  4. Culinary Institute of America
    Average Salary: $73,600
    The Culinary Institute of America offers Cook jobs with a solid average salary. They focus on culinary education and training. Cooks work in their campuses and culinary schools in locations such as Hyde Park, New York, and Napa Valley, California.


  5. Scratch Restaurants Group
    Average Salary: $70,411
    Scratch Restaurants Group provides Cook positions with a competitive average salary. They operate several restaurants and cater to a diverse clientele. Cooks work in locations across the United States, including California, Texas, and Washington.


  6. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $68,509
    Sutter Health offers Cook jobs with a good average salary. They focus on healthcare services and provide food services in their hospitals and clinics. Cooks work in locations throughout California.


  7. Prince Resorts Hawaii
    Average Salary: $65,190
    Prince Resorts Hawaii offers Cook positions with a solid average salary. They provide food services in their resorts and hotels. Cooks work in locations on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.


  8. The Walt Disney Company
    Average Salary: $62,296
    The Walt Disney Company offers Cook jobs with a good average salary. They provide food services in their theme parks and resorts. Cooks work in locations in California, Florida, and other major Disney destinations.


  9. Northwell Health
    Average Salary: $58,974
    Northwell Health provides Cook positions with a competitive average salary. They focus on healthcare services and provide food services in their hospitals and clinics. Cooks work in locations across New York.


  10. 1 Hotels
    Average Salary: $56,522
    1 Hotels offers Cook jobs with a good average salary. They provide food services in their luxury hotels. Cooks work in locations across the United States, including 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 can open doors to high-end restaurants. Another way to earn more is by gaining certifications from recognized culinary schools. These certifications can enhance a Cook's resume and credibility.

Experience and networking also play a crucial role. Working in various types of kitchens, from casual diners to fine dining establishments, provides a Cook with diverse skills. Building a strong network within the industry can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay. Additionally, taking on roles with more responsibility, such as head chef or kitchen manager, can lead to higher salaries. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest culinary trends can also make a Cook more competitive in the job market.

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

  1. Specialization: Focus on a specific cuisine or cooking style.
  2. Certifications: Obtain certifications from recognized culinary schools.
  3. Experience: Work in various types of kitchens to gain diverse skills.
  4. Networking: Build a strong network within the industry.
  5. Leadership Roles: Take on roles with more responsibility, such as head chef or kitchen manager.

Currently 15,993 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
15,993 Job Openings