Research Summary. Leveraging a combination of public government data and insights from thousands of job postings, the Zippia team has compiled average salary estimates for various jobs across the United States. From this dataset, we have identified the highest-paying cook/server roles based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s what we found regarding the top earners in the cook/server category:
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Caterer/Server ranks as the highest-paid cook/server, boasting an average salary of $33,737 and an hourly rate of $16.22.
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Next, the bartender/server role follows closely, with an average salary of $32,591.
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The average annual salary for cook/servers is $29,716, translating to an hourly wage of $14.29.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Deciding on a career path is challenging, and while salary is a crucial factor, it shouldn’t be the sole consideration. If you’re aiming for a cook/server position, understanding which roles offer the highest compensation can significantly shape your career trajectory.
Below are the top salaries for various cook/server positions:
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Caterer/Server
Average Salary: $33,737
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Bartender Server
Average Salary: $32,591
Bartender servers operate within the restaurant’s bar area, crafting and serving drink orders. They should expertly mix drinks and be well-versed in cocktail recipes, with the ability to adapt when specific ingredients are unavailable. Some bartender servers may also engage in flairtending, entertaining guests while they wait for their drinks.
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Prep Cook
Average Salary: $32,292
Prep cooks play a vital role in the kitchen, preparing ingredients for the cooking process. They often serve as the first step in the kitchen’s assembly line, responsible for tasks such as thawing, cutting, and chopping ingredients, allowing line cooks to work more efficiently.
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Cook/Trainer
Average Salary: $32,271
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Grill Cook
Average Salary: $31,895
A grill cook specializes in grilling various foods while ensuring that each dish is plated attractively. Their responsibilities include preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and training new staff while coordinating with the rest of the team in a fast-paced environment.
Below is a comprehensive table outlining the average pay for various high-earning cook/server positions, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Cook/Servers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterer/Server | |
| 2 | Bartender Server | |
| 3 | Prep Cook | |
| 4 | Cook/Trainer | |
| 5 | Grill Cook | |
| 6 | Cook | |
| 7 | Cook/Dishwasher | |
| 8 | Kitchen Cook | |
| 9 | Mexican Food Cook | |
| 10 | Server/Barista | |
| 11 | Fry Cook | |
| 12 | Crew Member | |
| 13 | Line Server | |
| 14 | Server And Hostess | |
| 15 | Cinder Crew Worker | |
| 16 | Pizza Cook | |
| 17 | Cocktail Server | |
| 18 | Beverage Server | |
| 19 | Food Server | |
| 20 | Restaurant Server |
Methodology
Zippia employs publicly available information from government sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate its salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company-released resources for the latest salary information for cook/servers.
After data collection, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title to provide an accurate salary estimate. For more details on our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Cook/Server Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid cook/server job?
The highest-paid cook/server job is a caterer/server. Caterer/Servers earn an average salary of $33,737, which amounts to $16.22 hourly.
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What is a good salary for a cook/server?
A good salary for a cook/server is $29,716 or higher. This average salary indicates that those earning at least this amount are receiving above-average compensation.
However, it’s essential to note that the average cook/server salary can vary by location, as employers may adjust pay based on the local cost of living. Evaluate the average salary for your expertise and experience level in your area for a more accurate assessment of your compensation.
Additionally, if you’re entering the field as a cook/server, the average entry-level salary is significantly lower, so it’s crucial not to base your expectations solely on the $29,716 average, which includes all skill and experience levels.
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Do cook/server jobs pay well?
No, cook/server jobs generally do not pay well. While some roles pay better than others, the average cook/server salary of $29,716 is significantly lower compared to the average national salary of approximately $44,225 per year.
Moreover, many cook/server positions offer high earning potential, with the top 10% earning significantly more.
Cook/Server salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s essential to consider these factors when job hunting. Research the going rate for cook/server roles in your area, and don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary based on this information.
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Where do cook/servers earn the most?
Cook/Servers earn the most in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, the average annual salary for cook/servers is $32,016, with an average hourly wage of $15.39.
Following Wisconsin, the states with the highest-paying cook/server positions include Alaska, North Dakota, and Washington, with average annual salaries of $40,354, $34,389, and $36,560, respectively.
The cities that offer the highest salaries for cook/servers are:
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Bellingham, WA – $36,775
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Portland, OR – $35,058
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Troy, NY – $32,892
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
