Restaurant Cook Salary in Idaho
Based on 8K+ workers in Idaho
Median Annual Salary (ID)
$36,440
$17.52/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$25K – $47K
8K employed in Idaho
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Idaho is $36,440 annually, equating to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is 3.3% lower than the national average for this profession, with a typical salary range falling between $25,470 and $47,020 per year.
Several factors influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Idaho, including location within the state, years of experience, and the type and size of the restaurant. Cooks in higher cost-of-living areas or those with specialized culinary skills may command higher wages, while entry-level positions generally fall at the lower end of the pay scale.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Idaho
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $25,470 |
| 25th percentile | $29,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,440 |
| 75th percentile | $42,450 |
| 90th percentile | $47,020 |
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 Idaho 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 Idaho vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Idaho) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,533 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Idaho Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,440 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,533 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $29,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $42,450 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,020 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Idaho
How other high-demand occupations in Idaho compare to Restaurant Cook ($36,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in ID | $30,050 | -17.5% | $14.45/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in ID | $28,940 | -20.6% | $13.91/hr |
| Tutor in ID | $36,490 | +0.1% | $17.54/hr |
| Receptionist in ID | $36,810 | +1.0% | $17.70/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in ID | $37,310 | +2.4% | $17.94/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in ID | $35,080 | -3.7% | $16.87/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in ID | $34,790 | -4.5% | $16.73/hr |
| Security Guard in ID | $38,300 | +5.1% | $18.41/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in ID | $38,650 | +6.1% | $18.58/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in ID | $39,820 | +9.3% | $19.14/hr |
| Cashier in ID | $30,370 | -16.7% | $14.60/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in ID | $43,200 | +18.6% | $20.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Idaho?
- The median hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Idaho is $18. This means that half of all cooks in the state earn less than this amount, and half earn more.
How much can a Restaurant Cook in Idaho expect to make annually?
- The median annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Idaho is $36,440. The salary range for this role typically falls between $25,470 on the lower end and $47,020 at the higher end.
Is the Restaurant Cook salary in Idaho higher or lower than the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Idaho is 3.3% lower than the national average. This suggests that cooks in Idaho may earn slightly less than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Idaho?
- There are approximately 8,130 Restaurant Cooks employed in Idaho. This number indicates the size of the job market for this culinary role within the state.