Restaurant Cook Salary in South Carolina
Based on 26K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$35,740
$17.18/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-5.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$26K – $46K
26K employed in South Carolina
The median Restaurant Cook salary in South Carolina is approximately $35,740 per year, which equates to about $17 per hour. This figure is 5.2% lower than the national average for this role. With over 25,000 individuals employed in this capacity across the state, it represents a significant segment of the food service industry.
Several factors can influence the specific Restaurant Cook salary in South Carolina that an individual earns. These include years of experience, the type and size of the restaurant, and its geographical location within the state. Skills in specialized cuisines or management responsibilities can also lead to higher earning potential within the $26,200 to $45,680 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,200 |
| 25th percentile | $30,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,740 |
| 75th percentile | $38,560 |
| 90th percentile | $45,680 |
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,812 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,740 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,812 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,740 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $38,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $45,680 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Restaurant Cook ($35,740 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in SC | $27,520 | -23.0% | $13.23/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in SC | $18,370 | -48.6% | $8.83/hr |
| Receptionist in SC | $35,510 | -0.6% | $17.07/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in SC | $35,990 | +0.7% | $17.30/hr |
| Security Guard in SC | $35,460 | -0.8% | $17.05/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in SC | $36,020 | +0.8% | $17.32/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in SC | $37,220 | +4.1% | $17.89/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in SC | $33,590 | -6.0% | $16.15/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in SC | $38,860 | +8.7% | $18.68/hr |
| Tutor in SC | $39,800 | +11.4% | $19.13/hr |
| Social Worker in SC | $39,930 | +11.7% | $19.20/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in SC | $30,690 | -14.1% | $14.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in South Carolina?
- The median annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in South Carolina is $35,740. This means that half of all cooks in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with the typical range falling between $26,200 and $45,680.
How does the South Carolina salary compare to the national average for Restaurant Cooks?
- Restaurant Cooks in South Carolina earn approximately 5.2% less than the national average. While the median in South Carolina is $35,740 annually, the national median is higher, reflecting regional economic differences.
What is the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in South Carolina?
- Based on the median annual salary of $35,740, the average hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in South Carolina is around $17. This hourly rate is consistent with the overall salary range of $26,200 to $45,680 annually.
What is the salary range for a Restaurant Cook in South Carolina?
- The salary range for a Restaurant Cook in South Carolina generally falls between $26,200 and $45,680 per year. The median salary of $35,740 sits within this spectrum, with actual earnings influenced by experience and location.