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Cook, Cashier, Food Prep Salaries

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Cook, Cashier, Food Prep make?

The average salary for a Cook, Cashier, Food Prep is $35,766 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cook, Cashier, Food Prep positions, showing an average salary of $35,766 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cook, Cashier, Food Prep positions, showing an average salary of $35,766 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cook, Cashier, Food Prep positions, showing an average salary of $35,766 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cook, Cashier, Food Prep positions, showing an average salary of $35,766 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

The average yearly salary for cooks, cashiers, and food prep workers can vary widely. Most earn between $22,000 and $52,000 each year. The majority of workers fall in the $31,000 to $37,000 range. This salary range can change depending on the location, experience, and type of restaurant.

Different roles in this field have slightly different pay scales. Cooks generally earn around $31,000 a year. Cashiers earn close to $25,000 annually. Food prep workers earn about $28,000 each year. Some roles might pay more if the worker has more experience or special skills. This industry offers chances to earn more as one gains more experience and skills.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Cook, Cashier, Food Prep?

Job seekers looking for high-paying positions as cooks, cashiers, or food preparers will find several attractive options across the country. Seattle, WA, tops the list with an average annual salary of $51,601. Nearby, Los Angeles, CA, offers an average of $50,743 per year. Both cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in the food industry. San Diego, CA, and Springfield, MA, follow closely behind, offering competitive salaries of $43,939 and $42,655, respectively. Boston, MA, and Chicago, IL, also provide strong earning potential with average salaries of $45,539 and $41,712. Job seekers in these cities will find themselves in vibrant, dynamic environments.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $51,601 and St. Louis, MO with the lowest at $34,000.

  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $51,601
    In Seattle, food service roles thrive due to the city's vibrant restaurant scene. Many well-known chains and cozy local eateries offer opportunities. Workers enjoy a lively atmosphere with plenty of job options.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $50,743
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for food service jobs, with a mix of big-name restaurants and trendy spots. The city's diverse culinary scene attracts job seekers looking for variety and excitement in their roles.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $45,539
    Boston's food service industry is rich in tradition and innovation. Many workers enjoy the city's historic eateries alongside modern culinary trends. Opportunities abound in both upscale and casual dining settings.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in Boston, MA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $43,939
    San Diego offers a welcoming environment for food service professionals, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Many restaurants emphasize sustainability, giving workers the chance to contribute to a healthy, vibrant community.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Springfield, MA
    Average Salary: $42,655
    Springfield's food service sector features a blend of local eateries and larger chains. Workers benefit from a community-oriented atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to grow and learn in the field.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in Springfield, MA


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $41,712
    Chicago's diverse culinary landscape provides endless possibilities for those in the food service industry. The city's famous for its deep-dish pizza and other rich food traditions, offering a unique experience for workers.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $35,414
    Orlando's bustling tourism scene means job seekers will find plenty of opportunities in food service. The city's vibrant atmosphere attracts many visitors, creating a steady demand for skilled workers in restaurants and theme parks.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in Orlando, FL


  8. Lakeland, FL
    Average Salary: $34,977
    Lakeland offers a more relaxed pace for food service workers, with a focus on community and local flavors. The city's growing food scene provides a welcoming environment for those looking to build a career in the industry.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in Lakeland, FL


  9. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $34,558
    Miami's food service industry is known for its diversity and creativity. Workers will find a melting pot of flavors and cultures, with many opportunities to explore and enjoy the city's unique culinary offerings.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in Miami, FL


  10. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $34,000
    St. Louis provides a supportive environment for food service professionals, with a strong emphasis on community and tradition. The city's rich food culture offers workers a chance to explore and contribute to its vibrant culinary scene.
    Find Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs in St. Louis, MO

What are the best companies a Cook, Cashier, Food Prep can work for?

Manassas City Public Schools stands out as a top employer for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep roles, offering an average salary of $47,669. These positions not only provide competitive pay but also include benefits that support career growth. Another strong option is Montgomery County Public Schools, with an average salary of $45,983, making it an attractive choice for those seeking stability and professional development in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook, Cashier, Food Prep jobs, highlighting Manassas City Public Schools with the highest at $47,669 and Oak Barrel Tavern with the lowest at $35,857.

  1. Manassas City Public Schools
    Average Salary: $47,669
    Manassas City Public Schools offers competitive salaries for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep positions. This public school system operates in Manassas, VA, providing numerous opportunities in school cafeterias and dining facilities.


  2. Montgomery County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $45,983
    Montgomery County Public Schools provides good compensation for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep roles. With locations across Montgomery County, MD, this school district offers multiple job openings in school cafeterias and food services.


  3. Hilton
    Average Salary: $45,105
    Hilton is well-known for its hospitality industry jobs, including Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep positions. The company operates hotels worldwide, offering numerous job opportunities with competitive salaries.


  4. Adams Fairacre Farms
    Average Salary: $40,814
    Adams Fairacre Farms provides attractive salaries for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep positions. This company is located in Whitesboro, NY, and focuses on organic farming and food production.


  5. METRICS Winchester Public Schools
    Average Salary: $38,802
    METRICS Winchester Public Schools offers competitive salaries for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep jobs. This school district operates in Winchester, VA, and provides various job opportunities in school cafeterias.


  6. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $38,737
    Sodexo offers good compensation for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep positions. The company operates in many locations, including schools, hospitals, and businesses, providing numerous job opportunities.


  7. Marlborough Public Schools
    Average Salary: $36,750
    Marlborough Public Schools provides fair salaries for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep jobs. Located in Marlborough, MA, this school district offers various job opportunities in school cafeterias.


  8. Carmel Clay Schools
    Average Salary: $36,121
    Carmel Clay Schools offers competitive salaries for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep positions. With locations in Carmel, IN, this school district provides numerous job opportunities in school cafeterias.


  9. Publix Super Markets
    Average Salary: $36,083
    Publix Super Markets offers good compensation for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep roles. Operating in the southeastern United States, Publix provides many job opportunities in its stores.


  10. Oak Barrel Tavern
    Average Salary: $35,857
    Oak Barrel Tavern provides attractive salaries for Cook, Cashier, and Food Prep positions. Located in St. Charles, IL, this restaurant offers numerous job opportunities for those interested in the food service industry.

How to earn more as a Cook, Cashier, Food Prep?

Working in the food service industry as a cook, cashier, or food prep can be rewarding. It also provides opportunities for earning more. These roles offer a chance to increase your income with dedication and skill development. By focusing on specific areas, someone can enhance their career and take home more money.

Below are some factors to consider for boosting earnings:

  • Gain more skills: Learn to handle new tasks. Cooks can master different cuisines. Cashiers can become adept at handling multiple cash registers. Food preps can quickly learn to prepare various dishes.
  • Work during busy hours: Offer to work during peak hours. Restaurants earn more during lunch and dinner rushes. Your extra effort can earn you better tips and possibly a raise.
  • Seek promotions: Aim for higher positions. A cook can move up to head cook. A cashier can advance to manager. Each step up often means higher pay.
  • Get additional certifications: Certifications in food safety or advanced cooking can make someone more valuable. These can lead to higher pay or new job opportunities.
  • Maintain a good attitude: Being positive and reliable can set someone apart. Good attitudes often earn more respect and better job offers.

Currently 272 Cook, Cashier, Food Prep job openings, nationwide.

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How's the job market for a Cook, Cashier, Food Prep in the US?

Learn what a Cook, Cashier, Food Prep does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Cook, Cashier, Food Prep today.
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