Restaurant Cook Salary in Kentucky
Based on 14K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$34,640
$16.65/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-8.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$25K – $44K
14K employed in Kentucky
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Kentucky is $34,640 per year, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 8.1% lower than the national average for this role. Currently, there are about 13,510 employed individuals working as cooks in Kentucky's restaurants.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Kentucky. These include the specific type of restaurant, its location within the state, the cook's years of experience, and their level of expertise. Smaller establishments or those in less populated areas may offer salaries closer to the lower end of the range, while fine dining or high-volume establishments might offer more.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,750 |
| 25th percentile | $28,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $34,640 |
| 75th percentile | $37,200 |
| 90th percentile | $43,750 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $35,679 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,640 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $35,679 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $34,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $43,750 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Restaurant Cook ($34,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in KY | $29,660 | -14.4% | $14.26/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in KY | $27,130 | -21.7% | $13.04/hr |
| Security Guard in KY | $35,420 | +2.3% | $17.03/hr |
| Receptionist in KY | $32,940 | -4.9% | $15.84/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in KY | $36,440 | +5.2% | $17.52/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in KY | $36,810 | +6.3% | $17.70/hr |
| Firefighter in KY | $37,150 | +7.2% | $17.86/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in KY | $38,370 | +10.8% | $18.45/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in KY | $38,700 | +11.7% | $18.61/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in KY | $39,200 | +13.2% | $18.85/hr |
| Medical Assistant in KY | $39,270 | +13.4% | $18.88/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in KY | $29,650 | -14.4% | $14.25/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly wage for a restaurant cook in Kentucky?
- The average hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Kentucky is $17 per hour. This is based on a median annual salary of $34,640.
What is the salary range for restaurant cooks in Kentucky?
- The salary range for Restaurant Cooks in Kentucky typically falls between $24,750 and $43,750 annually. The median salary is $34,640 per year.
How does the Kentucky restaurant cook salary compare to the national average?
- Restaurant Cook salaries in Kentucky are 8.1% lower than the national average. The median salary in Kentucky is $34,640 per year, compared to the national median.
How many restaurant cooks are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 13,510 individuals employed as Restaurant Cooks in Kentucky. This represents the total number of individuals working in this capacity within the state.