Restaurant Cook Salary in Montana
Based on 8K+ workers in Montana
Median Annual Salary (MT)
$38,060
$18.30/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
+1.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $48K
8K employed in Montana
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Montana is $38,060 per year, or approximately $18 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national average by 1.0%, indicating a competitive pay scale for culinary professionals in the state. Currently, there are an estimated 7,580 individuals employed in this role across Montana.
Several factors influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Montana. Experience levels, the specific type of restaurant, and its location within the state can all contribute to pay variations. For instance, cooks in fine-dining establishments or larger metropolitan areas might command higher wages than those in smaller towns or casual eateries. The range for this profession in Montana spans from $29,380 to $47,670 annually.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,380 |
| 25th percentile | $35,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $38,060 |
| 75th percentile | $43,910 |
| 90th percentile | $47,670 |
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 Montana 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 Montana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,060 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,202 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Montana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,060 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,202 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $38,060 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $43,910 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,670 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Montana
How other high-demand occupations in Montana compare to Restaurant Cook ($38,060 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MT | $29,090 | -23.6% | $13.99/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in MT | $23,370 | -38.6% | $11.24/hr |
| Security Guard in MT | $38,480 | +1.1% | $18.50/hr |
| Receptionist in MT | $37,360 | -1.8% | $17.96/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MT | $39,050 | +2.6% | $18.77/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MT | $36,630 | -3.8% | $17.61/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MT | $36,270 | -4.7% | $17.44/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MT | $40,900 | +7.5% | $19.66/hr |
| Cashier in MT | $34,190 | -10.2% | $16.44/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in MT | $33,990 | -10.7% | $16.34/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in MT | $43,940 | +15.4% | $21.13/hr |
| Tutor in MT | $45,050 | +18.4% | $21.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in Montana?
- The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in Montana is $38,060 per year, which translates to about $18 per hour. This is very close to the national average, showing a stable pay environment.
How much do Restaurant Cooks in Montana make at the higher end of the pay scale?
- Experienced Restaurant Cooks in Montana can earn up to $47,670 annually. This upper range reflects specialized skills or work in higher-demand culinary settings.
What is the typical starting salary for a Restaurant Cook in Montana?
- Entry-level Restaurant Cooks in Montana often begin with salaries around $29,380 per year. This lower end of the salary range is common for those with less experience in the field.
Is the salary for a Restaurant Cook in Montana higher or lower than the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Montana is slightly higher than the national average, by approximately 1.0%. The median annual salary of $38,060 reflects this modest increase compared to national figures.