How to become a Cook in United States
What does a Cook do?
Cooks prepare meals by following recipes, managing ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food quality and safety standards in restaurants, hotels, and food service establishments.
Typical duties
- Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and quality standards.
- Set up workstations with required ingredients, equipment, and supplies.
- Monitor food temperatures and ensure proper cooking techniques are followed.
- Manage food storage, rotation, and inventory to minimize waste.
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness and comply with food safety regulations.
- Coordinate with other kitchen staff to ensure timely meal service.
- Assist in menu planning and recipe development.
- Receive and inspect food deliveries for quality and freshness.
Salary by experience
Entry Level (P25)
$28,800
/year
Mid Level (P50)
$33,600
/year
Senior Level (P75)
$38,400
/year
484 job listings analyzed
Labor market in United States
Unemployment rate
4.2%
(2025)
Population
340.110.988
World Bank (CC BY 4.0)
Frequently asked questions
How many job openings are there for Cook in United States?
There are currently 2,115,552 job openings for Cook in United States.
How much does a Cook earn in United States?
The average annual salary for Cook in United States is 32.538 USD, ranging from 21.120 to 46.080 USD.
Sources: ESCO (European Commission), O*NET (US DOL), Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA)
Data updated: May 2026