SOC 352000

Cooks and Food Preparation Workers

Salary data and employment statistics for Cooks and Food Preparation Workers across the United States.

National Median

$35,450

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$35,450

Entry Level (10th pct)

$24,490

Experienced (90th pct)

$46,250

Total Employed

3,632,290

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience LevelEstimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience$24,490 - $29,360
Mid Career2-8 years experience$29,360 - $39,190
Senior / Expert8+ years experience$39,190 - $46,250

Cooks and Food Preparation Workers Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 0 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan AreaMedian SalaryEmployed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Cooks and Food Preparation Workers?
The national median annual salary for Cooks and Food Preparation Workers is $35,450, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.
Where do Cooks and Food Preparation Workerss earn the most?
Salary varies by location. Use the table above to compare metro areas.
How much can an experienced Cooks and Food Preparation Workers make?
Top-earning Cooks and Food Preparation Workerss (90th percentile) make $46,250 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.