Restaurant Cook Salary in Indiana
Based on 27K+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$35,170
$16.91/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-6.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$26K – $44K
27K employed in Indiana
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Indiana is $35,170 per year, or $17 per hour. This figure is 6.7% lower than the national average, with a total of 26,960 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence how much a Restaurant Cook earns in Indiana. Experience level, the specific type and size of the restaurant, and its location within the state are significant determinants. Wages can range from $26,000 to $44,190 annually.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,000 |
| 25th percentile | $28,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,170 |
| 75th percentile | $37,590 |
| 90th percentile | $44,190 |
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 Indiana 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 Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,170 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,225 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,170 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,225 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,650 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,170 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $44,190 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Restaurant Cook ($35,170 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in IN | $28,790 | -18.1% | $13.84/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in IN | $28,480 | -19.0% | $13.69/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IN | $35,060 | -0.3% | $16.86/hr |
| Receptionist in IN | $36,160 | +2.8% | $17.38/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IN | $36,250 | +3.1% | $17.43/hr |
| Security Guard in IN | $36,490 | +3.8% | $17.54/hr |
| Tutor in IN | $36,980 | +5.1% | $17.78/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in IN | $37,730 | +7.3% | $18.14/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IN | $38,330 | +9.0% | $18.43/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IN | $31,530 | -10.3% | $15.16/hr |
| Cashier in IN | $29,670 | -15.6% | $14.26/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in IN | $43,140 | +22.7% | $20.74/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Indiana?
- The median annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Indiana is $35,170. This means half of all cooks in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
How does the Restaurant Cook salary in Indiana compare to the national average?
- Restaurant Cooks in Indiana earn 6.7% less than the national average. The median salary in Indiana is $35,170 per year, compared to the national median.
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Indiana?
- In Indiana, the salary range for a Restaurant Cook typically falls between $26,000 and $44,190 annually. The median salary sits at $35,170 within this spectrum.
Is it common for Restaurant Cooks to earn more than $44,000 in Indiana?
- While the upper end of the salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Indiana reaches $44,190, it is less common to exceed this amount significantly. The majority of cooks will fall within the $26,000 to $44,190 bracket.