Restaurant Cook Salary in Maryland
Based on 18K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$37,820
$18.18/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
+0.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $48K
18K employed in Maryland
The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in Maryland is $37,820 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a competitive market for these culinary professionals in the state.
Several factors can influence a Restaurant Cook salary in Maryland. These include the specific type of restaurant, the cook's experience level, geographic location within Maryland, and the benefits package offered. Higher-demand areas or establishments known for fine dining may offer compensation towards the upper end of the typical range.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,030 |
| 25th percentile | $36,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,820 |
| 75th percentile | $43,980 |
| 90th percentile | $47,840 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,955 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,820 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,955 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $36,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $43,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,840 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Restaurant Cook ($37,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in MD | $36,750 | -2.8% | $17.67/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MD | $33,660 | -11.0% | $16.18/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MD | $37,690 | -0.3% | $18.12/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MD | $38,040 | +0.6% | $18.29/hr |
| Receptionist in MD | $38,100 | +0.7% | $18.32/hr |
| Security Guard in MD | $38,220 | +1.1% | $18.38/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MD | $35,510 | -6.1% | $17.07/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in MD | $40,860 | +8.0% | $19.64/hr |
| Cashier in MD | $34,390 | -9.1% | $16.53/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in MD | $42,830 | +13.2% | $20.59/hr |
| Data Analyst in MD | $42,850 | +13.3% | $20.60/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MD | $43,240 | +14.3% | $20.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in Maryland?
- The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in Maryland is $37,820 annually, or about $18 per hour. This puts the typical earnings just above the national average.
What is the salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Maryland?
- In Maryland, Restaurant Cooks can expect to earn between $35,030 and $47,840 per year. This range reflects variations in experience and location.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Maryland?
- There are an estimated 17,690 Restaurant Cooks employed in Maryland. This indicates a substantial number of opportunities within the state's food service industry.
Is the Restaurant Cook salary in Maryland higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Restaurant Cook salary in Maryland is slightly higher than the national average, by about 0.4%. This suggests that Maryland offers competitive compensation for these roles.