Restaurant Cook Salary in Nebraska
Based on 5K+ workers in Nebraska
Median Annual Salary (NE)
$37,030
$17.80/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-1.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $45K
5K employed in Nebraska
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Nebraska is $37,030 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint for earnings in the state. For context, this median salary is 1.7% lower than the national average, indicating a slightly lower earning potential for cooks in Nebraska compared to the rest of the country.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Nebraska. These include the specific type of establishment, the cook's level of experience, and the geographic location within the state. For instance, cooks in larger cities or more upscale dining establishments may command higher wages than those in smaller towns or fast-casual settings. The range of earnings for these professionals in Nebraska falls between $28,680 and $44,880 annually.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Nebraska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,680 |
| 25th percentile | $33,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,030 |
| 75th percentile | $42,510 |
| 90th percentile | $44,880 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Nebraska) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,141 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Nebraska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,030 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,141 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $33,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $42,510 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $44,880 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Nebraska
How other high-demand occupations in Nebraska compare to Restaurant Cook ($37,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in NE | $33,770 | -8.8% | $16.24/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in NE | $29,000 | -21.7% | $13.94/hr |
| Receptionist in NE | $37,860 | +2.2% | $18.20/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in NE | $36,150 | -2.4% | $17.38/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in NE | $35,920 | -3.0% | $17.27/hr |
| Tutor in NE | $38,240 | +3.3% | $18.38/hr |
| Security Guard in NE | $39,840 | +7.6% | $19.15/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NE | $40,000 | +8.0% | $19.23/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in NE | $31,870 | -13.9% | $15.32/hr |
| Social Worker in NE | $43,240 | +16.8% | $20.79/hr |
| Cashier in NE | $30,250 | -18.3% | $14.54/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NE | $43,940 | +18.7% | $21.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Nebraska?
- The median Restaurant Cook salary in Nebraska is $37,030 per year. This means half of all cooks in the state earn more, and half earn less than this amount. The typical salary range falls between $28,680 and $44,880.
How does the Nebraska Restaurant Cook salary compare to the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Nebraska is slightly lower than the national average, by approximately 1.7%. This means that on average, cooks in Nebraska earn a bit less than their counterparts across the United States, with a median of $37,030 annually.
What is the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Nebraska?
- The median hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Nebraska is $18 per hour. This is derived from the annual median salary of $37,030, offering a more immediate look at earning potential for part-time or hourly considerations.
What is the salary range for Restaurant Cooks in Nebraska?
- In Nebraska, Restaurant Cooks can expect to earn within a salary range of $28,680 to $44,880 annually. The median salary sits at $37,030, with the top earners making more than the upper limit and the lowest earners making less than the lower limit.