Restaurant Cook Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 54K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$36,580
$17.59/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-2.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$23K – $45K
54K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Pennsylvania is $36,580 per year, which breaks down to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, reflecting regional economic conditions and demand for culinary roles within the state.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Pennsylvania. These include the specific type of establishment, the cook's experience level, the geographic location within the state, and the presence of specific culinary skills or certifications. Wages can vary significantly across different cities and towns.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,650 |
| 25th percentile | $29,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,580 |
| 75th percentile | $39,710 |
| 90th percentile | $45,120 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,677 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,580 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,677 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $29,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $39,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $45,120 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Restaurant Cook ($36,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in PA | $34,690 | -5.2% | $16.68/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in PA | $28,570 | -21.9% | $13.74/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in PA | $36,640 | +0.2% | $17.62/hr |
| Receptionist in PA | $36,810 | +0.6% | $17.70/hr |
| Security Guard in PA | $37,050 | +1.3% | $17.81/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in PA | $40,040 | +9.5% | $19.25/hr |
| Tutor in PA | $41,740 | +14.1% | $20.07/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in PA | $31,200 | -14.7% | $15.00/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in PA | $29,420 | -19.6% | $14.14/hr |
| Medical Assistant in PA | $43,920 | +20.1% | $21.12/hr |
| Cashier in PA | $29,220 | -20.1% | $14.05/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in PA | $44,590 | +21.9% | $21.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Restaurant Cook make in Pennsylvania?
- The median annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Pennsylvania is $36,580, equating to about $18 per hour. The salary range generally falls between $22,650 and $45,120 annually.
What is the salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Pennsylvania?
- In Pennsylvania, a Restaurant Cook can expect their annual salary to range from $22,650 to $45,120. The median pay is $36,580, indicating that many cooks earn closer to this midpoint.
Is the Restaurant Cook salary in Pennsylvania higher or lower than the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Pennsylvania is approximately 2.9% lower than the national average. This means cooks in the state generally earn slightly less than their counterparts across the country.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are a significant number of Restaurant Cooks employed in Pennsylvania, with the total employment figure standing at 54,100. This indicates a substantial job market for this culinary profession within the state.