Cooks and Food Preparation Workers earn $36,310 median salary – 2025 pay data
The median annual salary for cooks and food preparation workers hit $36,310 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $17 an hour. The typical range runs from $26,520 at the 10th percentile to $47,130 at the 90th percentile. With 3,544,690 people employed in these roles, it's one of the largest occupations in the U.S. – but pay varies widely by state and experience.
How much Cooks and Food Preparation Workers earn
The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $36,630 (about $17.61 hourly). Half of workers earn less than $36,310, half earn more. The bottom 10% make under $26,520; the top 10% earn over $47,130. Pay often scales with responsibility: line cooks at fast-casual chains start near the bottom, while experienced kitchen managers in fine dining can push into the top tier. Overtime and tips can boost actual take-home pay, especially in restaurants with tip pools.
- Median annual: $36,310
- Mean annual: $36,630 ($17.61/hr)
- 10th percentile: $26,520
- 90th percentile: $47,130
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level breakdowns for this occupation in the latest release. However, wages generally track regional cost of living and local minimum wage laws. States with strong hospitality sectors like Hawaii, New York, and California tend to pay above the national median, while rural states in the South and Midwest often fall below. For exact state figures, check the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
How to become Cooks and Food Preparation Workers
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is the standard path – you start as a prep cook or dishwasher and learn knife skills, food safety, and station procedures. No formal license is needed, but a food handler card is required in many states (cost around $10–20, valid 2–5 years).
Some workers attend culinary school, but it's not required. Community college certificate programs cost $2,000–5,000 and can speed advancement. Key steps:
1. Get a high school diploma (or GED). 2. Apply for entry-level kitchen jobs (prep cook, line cook). 3. Complete food safety training (ServSafe or local equivalent). 4. Build experience and consider a culinary certificate for higher-paying roles.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Training: On-the-job, typically 1–3 months for basic skills
- Certification: Food handler card required in many states
- Experience: Entry-level; advancement involves years of practice
Job outlook
The BLS has not published a projected growth rate for 2024–2034 for this occupation. Historically, the field sees steady demand because people eat out consistently. Turnover is high, so job openings are plentiful. Slower growth may occur if automation increases or fast-casual models reduce staff counts. For the latest projection, check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for cooks and food preparation workers?
The BLS does not provide state-level data for this occupation in the latest release. However, states with higher costs of living and strong restaurant industries – like Hawaii, New York, Massachusetts, and California – typically pay above the national median.
Do cooks and food preparation workers get benefits?
Full-time workers often receive health insurance, paid time off, and meal discounts. Part-time and fast-food workers may have limited benefits. Larger chains and unionized hotels tend to offer better packages.
Can you become a cook without a degree?
Yes. Most cooks learn on the job. A high school diploma is usually required, but not a college degree. Culinary school can help with advancement but is not mandatory.
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 and Food Preparation Workers data.