Restaurant Cook Salary in Alabama
Based on 16K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$32,180
$15.47/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-14.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$24K – $39K
16K employed in Alabama
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Alabama is $32,180 per year, which translates to approximately $15 per hour. This figure is 14.6% lower than the national average for this role. With over 16,260 individuals employed in this capacity across the state, it represents a significant segment of the food service industry.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Alabama. Experience level, the specific type of restaurant (fine dining versus fast casual), and geographic location within Alabama can all play a role. For instance, cooks in larger metropolitan areas might earn more than those in smaller towns, and specialized culinary skills can command higher pay.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,170 |
| 25th percentile | $28,930 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $32,180 |
| 75th percentile | $36,220 |
| 90th percentile | $39,220 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $33,145 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,180 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $33,145 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,930 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $32,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $36,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $39,220 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Restaurant Cook ($32,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in AL | $26,840 | -16.6% | $12.90/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in AL | $23,700 | -26.4% | $11.39/hr |
| Receptionist in AL | $32,590 | +1.3% | $15.67/hr |
| Security Guard in AL | $33,720 | +4.8% | $16.21/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in AL | $34,140 | +6.1% | $16.41/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in AL | $34,290 | +6.6% | $16.49/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in AL | $30,040 | -6.7% | $14.44/hr |
| Medical Assistant in AL | $36,100 | +12.2% | $17.36/hr |
| Cashier in AL | $28,250 | -12.2% | $13.58/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in AL | $27,840 | -13.5% | $13.38/hr |
| Construction Laborer in AL | $36,900 | +14.7% | $17.74/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in AL | $38,400 | +19.3% | $18.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Alabama?
- In Alabama, the salary range for a Restaurant Cook typically falls between $24,170 and $39,220 annually. This means that while some cooks earn less, many can expect to make within this broad spectrum based on various factors.
How does the median salary for Restaurant Cooks in Alabama compare to the national average?
- The median salary for Restaurant Cooks in Alabama is $32,180 per year, which is 14.6% lower than the national average. This indicates that cooks in Alabama generally earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the hourly wage equivalent of the median Restaurant Cook salary in Alabama?
- The median annual salary of $32,180 for a Restaurant Cook in Alabama is equivalent to approximately $15 per hour. This hourly rate is a useful metric for understanding daily earnings and for comparing pay across different employment structures.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 16,260 individuals employed as Restaurant Cooks throughout Alabama. This substantial number highlights the prevalence of this occupation within the state's culinary sector.