Restaurant Cook Salary in Minnesota
Based on 26K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$38,590
$18.55/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
+2.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $48K
26K employed in Minnesota
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Minnesota is $38,590 per year, which equates to $19 per hour. This figure is 2.4% higher than the national average, indicating a slightly more favorable compensation landscape for cooks in the state.
Several factors influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Minnesota. These include the specific type of restaurant, the cook's experience level, their culinary skills, and the cost of living in different cities within Minnesota. Location and the establishment's size also play a significant role in determining annual earnings.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,280 |
| 25th percentile | $36,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $38,590 |
| 75th percentile | $45,360 |
| 90th percentile | $47,850 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,748 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,590 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,748 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $36,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $38,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,850 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Restaurant Cook ($38,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MN | $31,370 | -18.7% | $15.08/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in MN | $25,470 | -34.0% | $12.25/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MN | $38,370 | -0.6% | $18.45/hr |
| Firefighter in MN | $38,110 | -1.2% | $18.32/hr |
| Receptionist in MN | $37,510 | -2.8% | $18.03/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in MN | $39,850 | +3.3% | $19.16/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MN | $37,120 | -3.8% | $17.85/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MN | $36,370 | -5.8% | $17.49/hr |
| Cashier in MN | $34,620 | -10.3% | $16.64/hr |
| Security Guard in MN | $43,380 | +12.4% | $20.86/hr |
| Tutor in MN | $45,660 | +18.3% | $21.95/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in MN | $46,410 | +20.3% | $22.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Minnesota?
- The salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Minnesota typically falls between $31,280 and $47,850 annually. This means that while the median is $38,590, many cooks earn within this broader spectrum.
How does the Restaurant Cook salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?
- Restaurant Cooks in Minnesota generally earn slightly more than their national counterparts. The median salary in Minnesota is 2.4% higher than the national average, suggesting a modest advantage for those working in the state.
What is the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Minnesota?
- Based on the median annual salary of $38,590, the average hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Minnesota is approximately $19. This hourly rate is a key figure for understanding day-to-day earnings.
Is the Restaurant Cook job market strong in Minnesota?
- With a total of 26,080 employed Restaurant Cooks, the job market in Minnesota appears substantial. This indicates a significant number of opportunities within the state's culinary industry for individuals in this role.