Cooks, Short Order Salary 2025: $35,880 Median, -6% Job Decline
The median salary for Cooks, Short Order in the U.S. is $35,880 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage is $36,120, working out to about $17.37 an hour. Most short order cooks earn between $23,440 (10th percentile) and $46,460 (90th percentile).
Employment in this occupation totals 138,650 workers across the country. But the outlook is shrinking: BLS projects a 5.6% decline from 2024 to 2034, with about 20,600 openings per year — largely to replace workers leaving the field.
How much Cooks, Short Order earn
Short order cooks are among the lower-paid cooking roles, but wages vary widely. The national median of $35,880 means half earn more, half less. At the bottom 10%, pay falls below $23,440; top earners pull in over $46,460.
Hourly, the median works out to $17.25, but some states pay much more. Experience and location are the biggest drivers of salary.
Pay by state
Arizona tops the list at $46,630 average wage, followed by Rhode Island ($46,250), Massachusetts ($44,290), Hawaii ($43,110), and California ($42,930). These tend to be states with higher costs of living or strong tourism industries.
On the low end, Alabama pays an average of $22,330, Indiana $21,940, and Pennsylvania just $19,910. The gap between top and bottom states is more than $26,700.
How to become Cooks, Short Order
No formal education is required beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Most short order cooks learn on the job, often starting as a kitchen helper or line cook at a diner, fast-food restaurant, or casual dining chain.
Certification is voluntary but can help: the American Culinary Federation offers a Certified Culinarian credential, though it's not common for short order cooks. Speed, accuracy, and the ability to multitask are the real prerequisites. Many employers look for experience handling a grill, fryer, and sandwich station.
- Complete high school or GED (typical requirement)
- Get hired in an entry-level kitchen role; on-the-job training lasts a few weeks to months
- Learn basic food safety (ServSafe certification desirable but not mandatory)
- Advance by mastering speed and consistency; no degree needed
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for short order cooks will shrink 5.6% from 2024 to 2034. That's a decline of roughly 7,800 jobs over the decade, driven by automation (self-order kiosks, automated cooking) and shifting consumer habits.
Despite the decline, about 20,600 openings arise each year because workers leave for other careers or retire. So jobs will be available, especially in high-turnover settings. The best prospects are in states with higher pay and strong tourism or 24-hour dining.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Cooks, Short Order in 2025?
According to the BLS, the national median annual salary is $35,880, or about $17.25 per hour. The mean wage is $36,120.
How do you become a short order cook?
You typically need a high school diploma and learn on the job. No formal culinary degree is required. Start as a kitchen helper or entry-level cook at a restaurant that serves breakfast, burgers, or fast food.
Is the job outlook for short order cooks good?
Not growing — employment is projected to decline 5.6% from 2024 to 2034. However, about 20,600 openings per year will occur due to workers leaving the field, so entry-level jobs will still be available.
Which states pay short order cooks the most?
Arizona ($46,630), Rhode Island ($46,250), Massachusetts ($44,290), Hawaii ($43,110), and California ($42,930) are the highest-paying states. The lowest are Pennsylvania ($19,910), Indiana ($21,940), and Alabama ($22,330).
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, Short Order data.