Restaurant Cook Salary in Mississippi
Based on 11K+ workers in Mississippi
Median Annual Salary (MS)
$29,560
$14.21/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-21.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $37K
11K employed in Mississippi
The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in Mississippi is $29,560 per year, which averages out to $14 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, with Mississippi cooks earning approximately 21.6% less. Currently, there are an estimated 10,770 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Mississippi. These include the specific type of restaurant, its location within the state, and the cook's level of experience and culinary skills. Additionally, the size and volume of the establishment can play a role in determining compensation, with higher-demand kitchens potentially offering more competitive pay.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Mississippi
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,010 |
| 25th percentile | $26,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $29,560 |
| 75th percentile | $33,940 |
| 90th percentile | $36,880 |
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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Mississippi) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,447 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Mississippi Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,560 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,447 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Mississippi
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $26,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $29,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $33,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $36,880 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Mississippi
How other high-demand occupations in Mississippi compare to Restaurant Cook ($29,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MS | $22,610 | -23.5% | $10.87/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in MS | $21,370 | -27.7% | $10.27/hr |
| Security Guard in MS | $29,180 | -1.3% | $14.03/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MS | $28,640 | -3.1% | $13.77/hr |
| Receptionist in MS | $31,160 | +5.4% | $14.98/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MS | $31,520 | +6.6% | $15.15/hr |
| Cashier in MS | $26,390 | -10.7% | $12.69/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MS | $34,270 | +15.9% | $16.48/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MS | $23,860 | -19.3% | $11.47/hr |
| Medical Assistant in MS | $35,360 | +19.6% | $17.00/hr |
| Firefighter in MS | $35,880 | +21.4% | $17.25/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in MS | $36,380 | +23.1% | $17.49/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Mississippi?
- The median annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Mississippi is $29,560. This translates to an hourly wage of $14, which is 21.6% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Mississippi?
- In Mississippi, the salary range for a Restaurant Cook generally falls between $22,010 and $36,880 annually. The median falls right in the middle of this spectrum at $29,560 per year.
How does the Mississippi Restaurant Cook salary compare to the national average?
- Restaurant Cooks in Mississippi earn significantly less than the national average. The median salary in Mississippi is 21.6% below the national median, indicating a lower overall compensation for this role.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Mississippi?
- There are an estimated 10,770 Restaurant Cooks currently employed in Mississippi. The median salary for these 10,770 individuals is $29,560 annually.