Cooks, Restaurant Salary 2025: $37,390 Median, 14.9% Growth
The median annual wage for restaurant cooks hit $37,390 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to about $18 per hour, with half of all cooks earning between $28,700 and $47,900. With over 1.4 million people in the occupation and a projected 14.9% growth rate through 2034, this is a job with real demand and clear earning potential.
How much Cooks, Restaurant earn
The median annual salary for restaurant cooks is $37,390, according to the latest BLS OEWS data. The mean wage is slightly higher at $38,730, or roughly $18.62 per hour. The lowest 10% earn about $28,700 or less, while the top 10% bring in $47,900 or more. Your pay will depend on experience, location, and the type of restaurant. Fine dining and high-volume kitchens typically pay more.
The occupation is not the same as chefs or head cooks, who earn a median of $58,740. Cooks, restaurant focus on preparing specific menu items under supervision, but experienced cooks can move into chef roles with higher pay.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The top-paying state is Washington at $46,800, followed by the District of Columbia ($46,130), Massachusetts ($45,600), Hawaii ($45,420), and Vermont ($45,390). These states often have higher costs of living, but the wages reflect tighter labor markets.
At the lower end, West Virginia pays $29,590, Mississippi $29,560, and Louisiana $29,050. That's about $14 per hour. If you're willing to relocate, the gap between top and bottom states is roughly $17,000 per year.
How to become Cooks, Restaurant
No formal education is required to start as a restaurant cook. Most learn on the job, often starting as a prep cook or line cook. High school diploma or equivalent is typical but not mandatory. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that short-term on-the-job training is the usual path, with experienced cooks picking up skills over a few months.
For those wanting to accelerate, a culinary certificate or associate degree from a community college can help. Some states require food handler certification, which is a short course. Advancement to chef roles often requires experience and possibly additional training.
- Get a high school diploma or GED (not required but helpful).
- Apply for entry-level cook positions; many restaurants train on the job.
- Complete a food safety certification if your state requires it (ServSafe is common).
- Consider a culinary certificate from a local community college for faster advancement.
- Gain experience to move up to higher-paying roles or chef positions.
Job outlook
Employment for restaurant cooks is projected to grow 14.9% from 2024 to 2034, which the BLS calls "much faster than average." That translates to about 250,700 job openings each year over the decade, mostly from workers leaving the occupation or retiring. The growth is driven by continued demand for dining out and limited automation of cooking tasks.
With 1.4 million jobs already, this is a large occupation with steady turnover. For job seekers, that means consistent opportunities, though many positions are entry-level. The key to higher pay and stability is sticking around and moving up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for a restaurant cook?
The typical range is $28,700 to $47,900 per year, with a median of $37,390. The lowest 10% earn under $28,700, and the highest 10% earn over $47,900.
Do you need a degree to be a restaurant cook?
No. Most cooks learn on the job. A high school diploma is common but not required. A culinary certificate or associate degree can help with advancement.
What is the job growth for restaurant cooks?
Employment is projected to grow 14.9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. About 250,700 openings are expected each year due to growth and replacement needs.
Which states pay the most for restaurant cooks?
Washington ($46,800), District of Columbia ($46,130), Massachusetts ($45,600), Hawaii ($45,420), and Vermont ($45,390) are the highest-paying.
Is culinary school required to become a cook?
No, culinary school is not required. Most employers provide on-the-job training. Some cooks choose to attend certification programs or community college to speed up advancement.
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, Restaurant data.