How much does a cook make?

A cook checks ingredients, measures and mixes them, then grills, fries, or steams food at a kitchen station. During a rush, cooks coordinate with coworkers to finish orders, keep food safe, and clean work areas and tools.

Did you know? U.S. federal law lets some 14- and 15-year-olds do limited cooking, but they cannot bake or cook over an open flame.

In the U.S., no special schooling is required; many start as kitchen helpers and learn on the job. Some choose culinary school or an apprenticeship; federal law permits limited food-prep jobs from age 14, with strict limits on hours and cooking.

Why does pay differ?

In the U.S., experience, cooking skill, food-safety certificates, and harder or specialized tasks can affect a cook’s pay. Employer type and location matter too: upscale hotels or restaurants and major city or resort areas often pay more. Hours and shifts affect how much work is available.