Restaurant Cook Salary in North Dakota
Based on 4K+ workers in North Dakota
Median Annual Salary (ND)
$36,470
$17.53/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $46K
4K employed in North Dakota
The median Restaurant Cook salary in North Dakota is $36,470 per year, which equates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, by about 3.2%. Currently, there are around 4,490 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence the actual pay a Restaurant Cook receives in North Dakota. These include the specific city or region within the state, the size and type of the restaurant, and the cook's level of experience and culinary skills. Higher cost-of-living areas may offer higher wages to compensate.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in North Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,850 |
| 25th percentile | $30,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,470 |
| 75th percentile | $38,110 |
| 90th percentile | $45,650 |
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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,564 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,470 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,564 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in North Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,410 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $38,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $45,650 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in North Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in North Dakota compare to Restaurant Cook ($36,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in ND | $30,890 | -15.3% | $14.85/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in ND | $30,080 | -17.5% | $14.46/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in ND | $36,790 | +0.9% | $17.69/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in ND | $36,040 | -1.2% | $17.33/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in ND | $37,550 | +3.0% | $18.05/hr |
| Tutor in ND | $35,100 | -3.8% | $16.88/hr |
| Security Guard in ND | $39,310 | +7.8% | $18.90/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in ND | $39,440 | +8.1% | $18.96/hr |
| Receptionist in ND | $39,530 | +8.4% | $19.00/hr |
| Cashier in ND | $31,460 | -13.7% | $15.13/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in ND | $44,670 | +22.5% | $21.48/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in ND | $45,820 | +25.6% | $22.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in North Dakota?
- The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in North Dakota is $36,470 per year. This translates to an hourly wage of about $18. The salary range for these positions typically falls between $28,850 and $45,650 annually.
How does the Restaurant Cook salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?
- Restaurant Cook salaries in North Dakota are approximately 3.2% lower than the national average. While the median is $36,470 annually, the national median would be higher.
What is the salary range for a Restaurant Cook in North Dakota?
- The salary range for Restaurant Cooks in North Dakota is quite broad, generally from $28,850 on the lower end to $45,650 on the higher end. The median annual salary sits at $36,470.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in North Dakota?
- There are approximately 4,490 individuals employed as Restaurant Cooks in North Dakota. This figure represents the total number of people working in this culinary role across the state.