Entry Level Cook wage data, wages by experience level, and regional analysis.
Average Wage
$16.5/hr
Wage Growth
+4.4%
Workers Employed
286,000
Wage Range
$14.5-$18.5
Nominal wages by region
Las Vegas
NVLas Vegas-Henderson-Paradise
$17.40/hr
Chicago
ILChicago-Naperville-Elgin
$17.40/hr
Dallas
TXDallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
$17.00/hr
Philadelphia
PAPhiladelphia-Camden-Wilmington
$16.50/hr
Austin
TXAustin-Round Rock-Georgetown
$16.50/hr
Charlotte
NCCharlotte-Concord-Gastonia
$16.00/hr
Nashville
TNNashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin
$15.60/hr
Atlanta
GAAtlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta
$15.60/hr
Columbus
OHColumbus
$15.10/hr
Orlando
FLOrlando-Kissimmee-Sanford
$15.10/hr
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Data-driven insights and recommendations
Total Earnings with Tips
$19/hr
With tips, entry level cooks earn $19 per hour on average, significantly above base wage.
Source: Toast Report 2025
View details for total earnings with tipsBest Value Market
Dallas
Dallas offers the best wage-to-cost-of-living ratio for entry level cooks.
View details for best value market