Restaurant Cook Salary in Florida
Based on 124K+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$37,020
$17.80/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-1.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $46K
124K employed in Florida
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Florida is $37,020 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, with Florida cooks earning 1.8% less. Currently, there are over 124,000 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence how much a Restaurant Cook earns in Florida. These include the specific type of establishment, the cook's experience level, and the geographic location within the state. Larger, more upscale restaurants or those in high-cost-of-living areas may offer higher pay than smaller, casual eateries.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,710 |
| 25th percentile | $35,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,020 |
| 75th percentile | $42,850 |
| 90th percentile | $46,450 |
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 Florida 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 Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,131 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,020 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,131 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $42,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $46,450 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Restaurant Cook ($37,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in FL | $36,150 | -2.4% | $17.38/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in FL | $29,080 | -21.4% | $13.98/hr |
| Receptionist in FL | $36,810 | -0.6% | $17.70/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in FL | $37,510 | +1.3% | $18.03/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in FL | $36,400 | -1.7% | $17.50/hr |
| Security Guard in FL | $35,900 | -3.0% | $17.26/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in FL | $34,010 | -8.1% | $16.35/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in FL | $33,800 | -8.7% | $16.25/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in FL | $40,440 | +9.2% | $19.44/hr |
| Cashier in FL | $30,530 | -17.5% | $14.68/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in FL | $43,590 | +17.7% | $20.96/hr |
| Medical Assistant in FL | $43,680 | +18.0% | $21.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do restaurant cooks make in Florida?
- The median Restaurant Cook salary in Florida is $37,020 annually, or about $18 per hour. The typical salary range for this position falls between $29,710 and $46,450 per year.
What is the typical salary range for a restaurant cook in Florida?
- In Florida, most Restaurant Cooks earn between $29,710 and $46,450 per year. The median salary for this role is $37,020 annually.
Is the Restaurant Cook salary in Florida higher or lower than the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Florida is 1.8% lower than the national average. The median salary in Florida is $37,020 per year, compared to the national median.
What are the employment numbers for restaurant cooks in Florida?
- There are approximately 124,040 Restaurant Cooks employed in Florida. This indicates a significant number of individuals working in this culinary profession across the state.