Restaurant Cook salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Restaurant Cook in United States is approximately 40,010 USD (39,802 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Restaurant Cook do?

A restaurant cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food items according to the menu and recipes of a restaurant. They work in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with other kitchen staff to ensure efficient and timely delivery of meals. Restaurant cooks are skilled in various cooking techniques, including grilling, saut�ing, frying, and baking. They are knowledgeable about food safety and sanitation regulations, ensuring that all food is handled and stored correctly. Additionally, they may be involved in menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and maintaining inventory levels. Restaurant cooks must have excellent time management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Skills: restaurant cook, culinary arts, food preparation, cooking techniques, menu planning, food safety
Job industry: Hospitality

How much does Restaurant Cook make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Restaurant Cook a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Restaurant Cook is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Restaurant Cook might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Restaurant Cook?

High salary for Restaurant Cook would be somewhere between 44,011 USD and 58,015 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Restaurant Cook in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 40,010 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,334 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 769 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 19 USD per hour
By working as Restaurant Cook a person can save up to 1,037 USD per month or 12,442 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Restaurant Cook

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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