Restaurant Cook Salary in Louisiana
Based on 15K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$29,050
$13.97/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-22.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $40K
15K employed in Louisiana
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Louisiana is $29,050 per year, which equates to about $14 per hour. This figure is 22.9% lower than the national average for this role, reflecting the unique economic landscape of the state. Currently, approximately 14,910 individuals are employed as restaurant cooks in Louisiana.
Several factors influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Louisiana. These include the specific type and size of the restaurant, the cook's experience level, and the geographic location within the state. Cooks in high-demand culinary areas or those with specialized skills may command higher pay within the $21,970 to $39,540 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $21,970 |
| 25th percentile | $25,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $29,050 |
| 75th percentile | $35,960 |
| 90th percentile | $39,540 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,922 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,050 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,922 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $25,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $29,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $35,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $39,540 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Restaurant Cook ($29,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in LA | $22,800 | -21.5% | $10.96/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in LA | $15,080 | -48.1% | $7.25/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in LA | $29,490 | +1.5% | $14.18/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in LA | $30,510 | +5.0% | $14.67/hr |
| Cashier in LA | $26,750 | -7.9% | $12.86/hr |
| Security Guard in LA | $32,240 | +11.0% | $15.50/hr |
| Receptionist in LA | $32,750 | +12.7% | $15.75/hr |
| Firefighter in LA | $33,120 | +14.0% | $15.92/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in LA | $34,490 | +18.7% | $16.58/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in LA | $22,520 | -22.5% | $10.83/hr |
| Medical Assistant in LA | $36,320 | +25.0% | $17.46/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in LA | $37,330 | +28.5% | $17.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a restaurant cook in Louisiana?
- The median annual salary for a restaurant cook in Louisiana is $29,050. This means half of all restaurant cooks earn less than this amount, while half earn more.
What is the hourly pay for a restaurant cook in Louisiana?
- Based on the median annual salary, restaurant cooks in Louisiana earn approximately $14 per hour. This hourly rate is part of a broader range that can vary significantly.
What is the salary range for a restaurant cook in Louisiana?
- The salary range for restaurant cooks in Louisiana typically falls between $21,970 and $39,540 annually. This spread accounts for differences in experience, location, and employer.
How does the Louisiana restaurant cook salary compare to the national average?
- The median Restaurant Cook salary in Louisiana is 22.9% lower than the national average. This indicates that cooks in Louisiana generally earn less than their counterparts across the country.