Restaurant Cook Salary in Tennessee
Based on 28K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$36,420
$17.51/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-3.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$28K – $46K
28K employed in Tennessee
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Tennessee is $36,420 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $18. This is slightly lower than the national average, with Tennessee cooks earning about 3.4% less. With 28,220 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant portion of the food service industry.
Several factors influence a Restaurant Cook salary in Tennessee. These include the specific type of restaurant, its location within the state, the cook's years of experience, and their skill set. Larger, more upscale establishments in metropolitan areas may offer higher compensation than smaller diners or those in more rural regions.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $27,910 |
| 25th percentile | $30,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,420 |
| 75th percentile | $40,740 |
| 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,513 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,420 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,513 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $40,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $45,650 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Restaurant Cook ($36,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in TN | $27,760 | -23.8% | $13.35/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in TN | $27,470 | -24.6% | $13.21/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in TN | $36,140 | -0.8% | $17.38/hr |
| Security Guard in TN | $36,000 | -1.2% | $17.31/hr |
| Receptionist in TN | $34,910 | -4.1% | $16.78/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in TN | $37,990 | +4.3% | $18.26/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | +6.3% | $18.62/hr |
| Medical Assistant in TN | $39,570 | +8.6% | $19.02/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in TN | $40,180 | +10.3% | $19.32/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in TN | $32,130 | -11.8% | $15.45/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in TN | $31,950 | -12.3% | $15.36/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in TN | $41,920 | +15.1% | $20.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Tennessee?
- The salary range for Restaurant Cooks in Tennessee generally falls between $27,910 and $45,650 annually. This means that while the median salary is $36,420, some cooks may earn less, and others with more experience or specialized skills can earn more.
How does the average Restaurant Cook salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- On average, Restaurant Cooks in Tennessee earn 3.4% less than their counterparts across the United States. While the median salary in Tennessee is $36,420 per year, the national median may be slightly higher.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 28,220 individuals employed as Restaurant Cooks throughout Tennessee. This number reflects the demand for culinary professionals within the state's diverse food service sector.
Is the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Tennessee above minimum wage?
- Yes, the median hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Tennessee is around $18 per hour. This is significantly above the federal minimum wage and often exceeds state minimum wage requirements, providing a decent earning potential.