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The average salary for a Cook in U.S. is $31,630.

Annual Average Salary Information

Annual Average Salary: $31,630

$22,550$39,090

Hourly Pay Information

Hourly Average Salary: $15.21

$10.84$18.80

What does a Cook earn?

On average, cooks earn around $31,630 per year in the U.S.. Cooks work in a variety of environments, such as restaurants, catering services, and hotels. They also prepare a wide variety of dishes, including American, Chinese, and Italian. A cook can choose to specialise in a particular cuisine or even develop recipes of their own.

How to earn more as a Cook

To become a cook, you will need to gain relevant qualifications, such as a diploma in catering and hospitality or a similar food and drink qualification. You could also gain experience by completing an apprenticeship in a kitchen or learning from a professional chef. To benefit your career and increase your earning potential, there are a range of specialised areas you could choose, such as pastry work or restaurant management. Alternatively, you can become self-employed and set up your own catering business.