Restaurant Cook Salary in New York
Based on 72K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$43,680
$21.00/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
+15.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$34K – $54K
72K employed in New York
The median Restaurant Cook salary in New York is $43,680 per year, which translates to approximately $21 per hour. This figure is 15.9% higher than the national average for this profession. With over 71,530 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant sector within New York's culinary landscape.
Several factors can influence the specific pay a Restaurant Cook earns in New York. These include the city or region within the state, the type and size of the restaurant, the cook's experience level, and their specific responsibilities. For instance, cooks working in fine-dining establishments in major metropolitan areas may command higher salaries than those in smaller, casual eateries.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,490 |
| 25th percentile | $37,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $43,680 |
| 75th percentile | $46,530 |
| 90th percentile | $54,240 |
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 New York 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 New York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,680 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,990 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,680 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,990 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $43,680 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $54,240 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Restaurant Cook ($43,680 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in NY | $47,020 | +7.6% | $22.61/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in NY | $35,250 | -19.3% | $16.95/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in NY | $43,930 | +0.6% | $21.12/hr |
| Security Guard in NY | $44,240 | +1.3% | $21.27/hr |
| Receptionist in NY | $43,080 | -1.4% | $20.71/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in NY | $42,000 | -3.8% | $20.19/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in NY | $39,620 | -9.3% | $19.05/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in NY | $47,960 | +9.8% | $23.06/hr |
| Medical Assistant in NY | $48,000 | +9.9% | $23.08/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NY | $48,000 | +9.9% | $23.08/hr |
| Dental Assistant in NY | $48,110 | +10.1% | $23.13/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in NY | $39,030 | -10.6% | $18.76/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in New York?
- The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in New York is $43,680 annually. This means half of cooks earn less, and half earn more, with many falling within the $34,490 to $54,240 range.
How much does a Restaurant Cook earn per hour in New York?
- Based on the median annual salary of $43,680, a Restaurant Cook in New York typically earns around $21 per hour. This hourly rate can fluctuate based on experience and employer.
Is the Restaurant Cook salary in New York higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Restaurant Cook salary in New York is 15.9% higher than the national average. This suggests that cost of living or demand for culinary professionals may be greater in New York.
What is the salary range for Restaurant Cooks in New York?
- The typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in New York is between $34,490 and $54,240 per year. The median salary sits comfortably within this range at $43,680.