Restaurant Cook Salary in Georgia
Based on 46K+ workers in Georgia
Median Annual Salary (GA)
$35,940
$17.28/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-4.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$24K – $43K
46K employed in Georgia
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Georgia is $35,940 per year, which translates to about $17 per hour. This figure is 4.6% lower than the national average for this profession, indicating a slightly different compensation landscape within the state.
Several factors influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Georgia. These include the specific type of establishment, the cook's experience level, their culinary skills, and the geographic location within Georgia. Higher cost of living areas or establishments with more specialized menus may offer higher pay.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Georgia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,160 |
| 25th percentile | $29,190 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,940 |
| 75th percentile | $37,840 |
| 90th percentile | $43,210 |
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 Georgia 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 Georgia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Georgia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,018 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Georgia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,940 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,018 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Georgia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $29,190 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $43,210 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Georgia
How other high-demand occupations in Georgia compare to Restaurant Cook ($35,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in GA | $26,920 | -25.1% | $12.94/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in GA | $18,700 | -48.0% | $8.99/hr |
| Receptionist in GA | $36,100 | +0.4% | $17.36/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in GA | $35,620 | -0.9% | $17.13/hr |
| Security Guard in GA | $34,980 | -2.7% | $16.82/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in GA | $37,680 | +4.8% | $18.12/hr |
| Construction Laborer in GA | $38,990 | +8.5% | $18.75/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in GA | $39,630 | +10.3% | $19.05/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in GA | $30,840 | -14.2% | $14.83/hr |
| Medical Assistant in GA | $41,600 | +15.7% | $20.00/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in GA | $41,600 | +15.7% | $20.00/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in GA | $41,910 | +16.6% | $20.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Restaurant Cook typically earn in Georgia?
- In Georgia, the median salary for a Restaurant Cook is $35,940 annually, equating to an hourly wage of approximately $17. The salary range generally falls between $24,160 and $43,210 per year.
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Georgia?
- The salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Georgia is quite broad, typically from $24,160 on the lower end to $43,210 on the higher end. The median salary of $35,940 sits comfortably within this spectrum.
Which factors influence a Restaurant Cook's pay in Georgia?
- A Restaurant Cook's pay in Georgia is influenced by experience, skills, and the type of restaurant. For example, cooks in fine dining establishments or those with specialized culinary expertise may command salaries closer to the upper end of the $24,160 to $43,210 range.
Is the Restaurant Cook salary in Georgia higher or lower than the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Georgia is 4.6% lower than the national average. This means the median salary of $35,940 per year is less than what a cook might earn on average across the United States.