Cooks, All Other Salary 2025: $37,690 Median, 5.5% Growth
Cooks, All Other — a catchall for cooking roles not classified as fast-food, short-order, or private household cooks — earn a median salary of $37,690 per year, or about $18 an hour. The typical range runs from $27,040 at the 10th percentile to $51,140 at the 90th, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest data. Roughly 19,350 people work in this occupation across the U.S., and the job market is expected to expand faster than average over the next decade.
How much Cooks, All Other earn
The BLS reports a mean hourly wage of $18.82 and a mean annual wage of $39,150 for Cooks, All Other. That’s slightly above the median, indicating that top earners pull the average up. Most workers in this role fall in the $27,040 to $51,140 range.
Pay depends heavily on experience, employer type, and location. The highest 10% earn more than $51,140; the lowest 10% earn less than $27,040. These figures come from the May 2023 OEWS estimates and adjust annually.
- National median annual salary: $37,690
- Mean annual wage: $39,150 ($18.82/hr)
- 10th percentile: $27,040 | 90th percentile: $51,140
- Employment: 19,350 workers
Pay by state
Location dramatically affects earnings. Massachusetts leads the country with an average wage of $69,570 for Cooks, All Other. Washington ($52,510), Nevada ($51,220), New Jersey ($46,080), and Indiana ($44,290) also pay above the national mean.
At the other end, Iowa ($26,060), Louisiana ($28,930), and Arkansas ($30,780) offer significantly lower wages. These differences reflect local cost of living, demand, and industry mix.
How to become Cooks, All Other
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Formal culinary education isn’t mandatory, but it can help — many community colleges offer certificate or associate programs. On-the-job training is the standard route, typically lasting a few weeks to months.
No national license is required, but a food handler’s permit or ServSafe certification is often demanded by state or local health departments. Physical stamina and the ability to work on your feet for long shifts are essential.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level cooking positions — most training is on the job.
- Consider a culinary certificate or associate degree to advance faster.
- Obtain a food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe) if required in your area.
- Gain experience and specialize in a cuisine or setting to boost pay.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Cooks, All Other to grow 5.5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 3,700 job openings each year, many due to the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Growth is driven by continued demand for dining out, catering, and institutional food services. However, automation and self-service technologies could temper gains in some settings.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Cooks, All Other' mean?
It's a BLS occupational code for cooks who don't fit into specific categories like fast-food, short-order, or private household cooks. Examples include cooks in cafeterias, buffet restaurants, or schools.
How much do Cooks, All Other make per hour?
The median hourly wage is about $18, and the mean is $18.82. The typical range is $13 to $24.50 per hour.
What education do I need to become a Cook, All Other?
A high school diploma is usually required. Culinary school is optional; most skills are learned on the job. A food safety certification is often mandatory.
Is the job market for Cooks, All Other growing?
Yes. The BLS predicts 5.5% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 3,700 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Cooks, All Other data.