Position
Salary

How much does a Dietary Cook make?

The average salary for a Dietary Cook is $35,236 per year in the US.

A Dietary Cook plays a vital role in ensuring that meals are prepared and served in various settings. This includes hospitals, schools, and care facilities. The average yearly salary for a Dietary Cook stands at around $35,236. This figure provides a solid baseline for job seekers considering this career path.


To give a clearer picture, let's look at the salary distribution. Most Dietary Cooks earn between $28,364 and $37,091 annually. Here's a breakdown of the distribution:

  • About 4.15% earn $24,000 or less.
  • Another 5.50% earn between $24,000 and $26,182.
  • Nearly 9.50% earn between $26,182 and $28,364.
  • Approximately 12.54% earn between $28,364 and $30,545.
  • About 14.89% earn between $30,545 and $32,727.
  • Around 16.43% earn between $32,727 and $34,909.
  • Nearly 10.34% earn between $34,909 and $37,091.
  • About 8.19% earn between $37,091 and $39,273.
  • Roughly 5.88% earn between $39,273 and $41,455.
  • About 4.79% earn between $41,455 and $43,636.
  • And 2.77% earn $45,818 or more.
These figures show that while salaries can vary, many fall within a reasonable range. This helps job seekers plan their financial futures more accurately.

View Dietary Cook jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Dietary Cook?

Denver, CO, offers some of the best pay for dietary cooks, with an average salary of $44,330. Those in Sacramento, CA, also find attractive compensation, with an average salary of $43,614. San Jose, CA, provides competitive wages, offering dietary cooks an average of $42,762 annually. California cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego offer above-average salaries, ranging from $40,500 to $41,000. Pittsburgh, PA, and Green Bay, WI, also present good opportunities, with salaries around $41,000. Stockton, CA, rounds out the list with an average salary of $37,934.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dietary Cook jobs, highlighting Denver, CO with the highest at $44,330 and Stockton, CA with the lowest at $37,934.
  1. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $44,330
    In Denver, a career as a cook for dietary needs offers a chance to work in many hospitals and schools. The city's large medical community provides a steady demand for skilled cooks. Well-known places like Denver Health Medical Center might be part of your job.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in Denver, CO


  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $43,614
    Sacramento has many opportunities for those who cook meals for specific diets. The city’s various schools and healthcare facilities look for cooks who can prepare meals that meet special needs. Companies like Kaiser Permanente could be a place to work.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $42,762
    San Jose has a strong need for cooks who can prepare meals for special diets. The tech companies here need people who can make healthy meals for employees. Some big companies like Intel might need your skills.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $41,346
    In Bakersfield, you can find work in healthcare facilities and schools. The city’s growing population needs more people who can cook special meals. Companies like Kern Medical Center are looking for talented cooks.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  5. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $41,190
    Pittsburgh offers many chances for cooks who make meals for special diets. The city’s healthcare system and schools need skilled cooks. Companies like UPMC might need your expertise.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in Pittsburgh, PA


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $40,545
    San Francisco has a diverse job market for cooks who prepare special meals. The city’s many healthcare facilities and schools look for cooks with great skills. You might work at places like UCSF.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $40,409
    Los Angeles offers a variety of jobs for cooks who prepare special diets. The city's large population and many healthcare centers need skilled cooks. You could find work at big hospitals like Cedars-Sinai.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $39,866
    San Diego has many opportunities for cooks who make special meals. The city’s healthcare facilities and schools need skilled cooks. Companies like Scripps Health might be hiring.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Green Bay, WI
    Average Salary: $38,189
    Green Bay has a steady need for cooks who prepare special diets. The city’s schools and healthcare facilities look for skilled cooks. You could work at places like Bellin Health.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in Green Bay, WI


  10. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $37,934
    Stockton offers many chances for cooks who make meals for special diets. The city’s healthcare system and schools need skilled cooks. You might find work at places like Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Dietary Cook jobs in Stockton, CA

What are the best companies a Dietary Cook can work for?

For those seeking top pay as a Dietary Cook, consider companies like Rockville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLC. This company offers one of the highest average salaries at $46,000. Burlington Convalescent Hosp and Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Facility also offer competitive pay, with averages above $44,000. These companies value their Dietary Cooks and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dietary Cook jobs, highlighting ROCKVILLE SKILLED NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER, LLC with the highest at $46,000 and MediLodge with the lowest at $40,780.
  1. ROCKVILLE SKILLED NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER, LLC
    Average Salary: $46,000
    ROCKVILLE SKILLED NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER, LLC offers a supportive environment for Dietary Cooks to work in. They prepare meals for patients and residents, ensuring meals are nutritious and meet dietary needs. This company operates in Rockville, Maryland.


  2. Burlington Convalescent Hosp
    Average Salary: $45,698
    At Burlington Convalescent Hosp, Dietary Cooks play a vital role in meal preparation. They focus on creating healthy and delicious meals for patients and residents. This hospital is located in Burlington, Vermont.


  3. Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Facility
    Average Salary: $44,000
    Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Facility provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for Dietary Cooks. They are responsible for preparing tasty and balanced meals for seniors. This facility is located in Magnolia, Texas.


  4. Alden Terrace Convalescent Hsp
    Average Salary: $44,000
    Alden Terrace Convalescent Hsp values the work of Dietary Cooks. They prepare meals that cater to the specific dietary needs of patients. This hospital is in Alden, New York.


  5. Imperial Care Center
    Average Salary: $42,217
    At Imperial Care Center, Dietary Cooks prepare meals that are both nutritious and appealing. They ensure that meals meet the health needs of patients and residents. This care center is in Imperial, California.


  6. Generations Healthcare
    Average Salary: $42,132
    Generations Healthcare relies on Dietary Cooks to prepare high-quality meals. They focus on creating meals that support the health and wellness of patients. This healthcare company has locations in several states.


  7. Park Anaheim Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $41,615
    Park Anaheim Healthcare Center employs Dietary Cooks who prepare meals for patients and residents. They aim to provide meals that are both tasty and nutritious. This healthcare center is in Anaheim, California.


  8. CareOne
    Average Salary: $41,141
    CareOne offers a supportive environment for Dietary Cooks. They prepare meals that meet the dietary needs of patients. This company operates in several locations across the country.


  9. Sevita
    Average Salary: $40,787
    Sevita values the efforts of Dietary Cooks in preparing meals for patients and individuals with disabilities. They focus on creating meals that are both healthy and enjoyable. This company has locations in several states.


  10. MediLodge
    Average Salary: $40,780
    MediLodge provides a caring environment for Dietary Cooks. They prepare meals that cater to the specific needs of residents. This company operates in multiple states across the country.

How to earn more as a Dietary Cook?

Increasing your earnings as a Dietary Cook is achievable with the right strategies. Focus on building skills and gaining experience to boost your value. Employers often reward workers with more skills and certifications. This often leads to higher wages and better job opportunities. Consider these factors to enhance your career and income in this field.

Here are some ways to earn more as a Dietary Cook:

  1. Get Certified: Obtain certifications in food safety and nutrition. Many employers prefer certified cooks. They often pay more for the added skills and knowledge.
  2. Learn Special Diets: Knowledge in preparing meals for special diets, such as vegetarian, diabetic, or low-sodium, can be valuable. This skill can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.
  3. Gain Experience: Work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, or hotels. Experience in different environments makes you more versatile and desirable to employers.
  4. Improve Efficiency: Find ways to streamline meal preparation. Reducing prep time can increase productivity. This can lead to higher wages or even a promotion.
  5. Seek Advancement: Look for opportunities to move into supervisory or managerial roles. These positions often come with higher salaries. They also offer more responsibilities and recognition.

Currently 705 Dietary Cook job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Dietary Cook in the US?

Learn what a Dietary Cook does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Dietary Cook today.
Position
Overview
Dietary Cook
705 Job Openings