Cooks, Restaurant Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for cooks, restaurant in the United States was $17.98, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $13.80 |
| 25th | $16.35 |
| Median | $17.98 |
| 75th | $21.45 |
| 90th | $23.03 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cooks, restaurant make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $17.98; the mean hourly wage is $18.62.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for cooks, restaurant?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $13.80 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for cooks, restaurant?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $23.03 per hour.