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Short order cook salary
Average short order cook salary
$14.78
Average Short Order Cook Salary
The average salary for a Short Order Cook in the United States is approximately $30,734 per year or $15 per hour. Salary levels can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of establishment. For instance, cooks in high-end restaurants may earn more than those in fast food outlets.
How Much Does a Short Order Cook Make?
Entry-level cooks typically start at around $25,000, while those with several years of experience can earn upwards of $35,000 or more, particularly in urban areas where demand is higher.
Where Can a Short Order Cook Earn More?
States such as California, New York, and Washington offer higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for skilled cooks. Additionally, positions in busy metropolitan areas often come with higher pay.
Salary Estimates from Across the Web
Online platforms show varying estimates, reflecting differences in local economies and job market saturation. Generally, it's advisable to research specific locations and employers to get a clearer picture.
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Where can a Short Order Cook earn more?
Short order cook salaries by experience level
| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level short order cook | $23,000 | $11.08 |
| Mid-level short order cook | $27,800 | $13.38 |
| Senior-level short order cook | $33,100 | $15.90 |
Short order cook salary estimates from across the web
Average short order cook salary by state
The average short order cook salary in Washington, California, and Oregon are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average short order cook salary states are Missouri, Alabama, and Louisiana.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for short order cooks
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $34,631 | $16.65 |
| 2 | Washington | $38,119 | $18.33 |
| 3 | Wyoming | $31,512 | $15.15 |
| 4 | Oregon | $34,702 | $16.68 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $34,393 | $16.54 |
| 6 | North Dakota | $31,440 | $15.12 |
| 7 | California | $35,933 | $17.28 |
| 8 | Colorado | $31,178 | $14.99 |
| 9 | Alaska | $32,978 | $15.85 |
| 10 | Idaho | $30,832 | $14.82 |
| 11 | New York | $33,642 | $16.17 |
| 12 | Minnesota | $31,116 | $14.96 |
| 13 | Arizona | $29,133 | $14.01 |
| 14 | Utah | $29,957 | $14.40 |
| 15 | Maine | $30,744 | $14.78 |
| 16 | Nevada | $29,527 | $14.20 |
| 17 | Vermont | $31,706 | $15.24 |
| 18 | New Jersey | $32,095 | $15.43 |
| 19 | District of Columbia | $34,442 | $16.56 |
| 20 | Rhode Island | $30,013 | $14.43 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | $27,829 | $13.38 |
| 22 | Maryland | $30,046 | $14.45 |
| 23 | Michigan | $26,670 | $12.82 |
| 24 | Texas | $26,616 | $12.80 |
| 25 | Pennsylvania | $26,744 | $12.86 |
| 26 | Virginia | $29,636 | $14.25 |
| 27 | Kentucky | $25,794 | $12.40 |
| 28 | Ohio | $26,139 | $12.57 |
| 29 | Tennessee | $25,425 | $12.22 |
| 30 | Nebraska | $27,595 | $13.27 |
| 31 | South Dakota | $27,980 | $13.45 |
| 32 | New Hampshire | $29,051 | $13.97 |
| 33 | Hawaii | $31,110 | $14.96 |
| 34 | Montana | $28,052 | $13.49 |
| 35 | Iowa | $26,561 | $12.77 |
| 36 | Indiana | $25,523 | $12.27 |
| 37 | New Mexico | $26,665 | $12.82 |
| 38 | Oklahoma | $25,186 | $12.11 |
| 39 | Delaware | $29,246 | $14.06 |
| 40 | North Carolina | $26,114 | $12.55 |
| 41 | Florida | $25,759 | $12.38 |
| 42 | Arkansas | $24,654 | $11.85 |
| 43 | Illinois | $26,189 | $12.59 |
| 44 | Georgia | $25,497 | $12.26 |
| 45 | Missouri | $24,226 | $11.65 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $24,264 | $11.67 |
| 47 | Louisiana | $22,929 | $11.02 |
| 48 | Mississippi | $21,547 | $10.36 |
| 49 | Alabama | $23,298 | $11.20 |
| 50 | West Virginia | $22,408 | $10.77 |
| 51 | Kansas | $21,810 | $10.49 |
Highest paying cities for short order cooks
The highest-paying cities for short order cooks are Anaheim, CA, Everett, MA, and Saratoga Springs, NY.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anaheim, CA | $35,491 | $17.06 |
| 2 | Everett, MA | $34,398 | $16.54 |
| 3 | Saratoga Springs, NY | $34,176 | $16.43 |
| 4 | Belleville, NJ | $32,259 | $15.51 |
| 5 | Denver, CO | $31,147 | $14.97 |
| 6 | Saint Paul, MN | $31,116 | $14.96 |
| 7 | Cheyenne, WY | $30,976 | $14.89 |
| 8 | Tempe, AZ | $29,128 | $14.00 |
| 9 | Levittown, PA | $26,890 | $12.93 |
| 10 | Dallas, TX | $26,563 | $12.77 |
| 11 | Chicago, IL | $26,352 | $12.67 |
| 12 | Atlanta, GA | $25,624 | $12.32 |
| 13 | Alexandria, LA | $23,175 | $11.14 |
Short order cook salary details
A short order cook's salary ranges from $24,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $38,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a short order cook's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
| 75th Percentile | $34,000 | $2,833 | $16 |
| Average | $30,734 | $2,561 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $24,000 | $2,000 | $12 |
Highest paying short order cook jobs
The highest paying types of short order cooks are lead cook, line cook/dishwasher, and assistant cook.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cook/Dishwasher | $31,703 | $2,642 | $15.24 | 133,000 |
| Cook/Server | $29,716 | $2,476 | $14.29 | 257,582 |
| Crew Member | $28,946 | $2,412 | $13.92 | 239,413 |
| Line Cook/Dishwasher | $34,435 | $2,870 | $16.56 | 133,370 |
| Line Cook, Prep Cook | $32,982 | $2,748 | $15.86 | 164,756 |
| Prep Cook/Dishwasher | $31,687 | $2,641 | $15.23 | 126,351 |
Top companies hiring short order cooks now:
Which companies pay short order cooks the most?
Short order cook salaries at Columbia University in the City of New York and Vernon Downs are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average short order cook salary at companies like University of St. Thomas and Capt. Anderson's Restaurant are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia University in the City of New York | $38,730 | $18.62 |
| 2 | Vernon Downs | $34,659 | $16.66 |
| 3 | University of St. Thomas | $34,600 | $16.63 |
| 4 | Capt. Anderson's Restaurant | $34,322 | $16.50 |
| 5 | Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Inc. | $33,032 | $15.88 |
| 6 | ALS, LLC | $33,024 | $15.88 |
| 7 | Osage Casino | $32,895 | $15.81 |
| 8 | Skidmore College | $32,692 | $15.72 |
| 9 | Wequassett Resort and Golf Club | $32,602 | $15.67 |
| 10 | Life Care Solutions | $32,596 | $15.67 |
| 11 | Maidstone Club | $32,319 | $15.54 |
| 12 | Jacobs Entertainment | $32,043 | $15.41 |
| 13 | SAGE Dining Services | $31,862 | $15.32 |
| 14 | Life Care Centers of America | $31,655 | $15.22 |
| 15 | Northwell Health | $31,566 | $15.18 |
| 16 | The Bancorp | $31,465 | $15.13 |
| 17 | Edgartown Yacht Club | $31,087 | $14.95 |
| 18 | J. The Jewish News of Northern California | $31,080 | $14.94 |
| 19 | Vail Resorts | $30,966 | $14.89 |
| 20 | MMI Hotel Group | $30,937 | $14.87 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Short order cook salary trends
The average short order cook salary has risen by $7,171 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average short order cook earned $23,563 annually, but today, they earn $30,734 a year. That works out to a 19% change in pay for short order cooks over the last decade.
Compare short order cook salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average short order cook salary over time
Compare short order cook salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Short order cook salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,700 | $14.78 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $29,700 | $14.26 | +4.5% |
| 2023 | $28,300 | $13.61 | +5.1% |
| 2022 | $26,900 | $12.92 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $25,800 | $12.39 | +4.3% |
Recently added short order cook salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwell Health | Second Cook/Short Order | Valley Stream, NY | 06/28/2025 | $59,730 |
| Sodexo Live | Short Order Cook | Nashville, TN | 06/19/2025 | $45,914 |
| Groton Public Schools | Grill Short Order Cook-Eastern Point Beach | Noank, CT | 06/11/2025 | $38,610 |
| Lizards Thicket | Breakfast Cook/Short Order Cook | West Columbia, SC | 06/10/2025 | $25,044 |
| Southgate Recreation & Park District | Wildhawk Grille Short Order Cook | Sacramento, CA | 06/10/2025 | $34,436 |
| Mlb Communications | Short Order Cook | Jacksonville, FL | 06/10/2025 | $37,000 |
| Thomas Cuisine | Cook Short Order Breakfast | Salt Lake City, UT | 06/01/2025 | $41,740 |
| Skidmore College | Customer Attendant/Short Order Cook | Fine, NY | 05/28/2025 | $41,260 |
| Columbia University In The City of New York | Short Order Cook | New York, NY | 05/23/2025 | $43,451 |
| Lizards Thicket | Breakfast Cook/Short Order Cook-White Knoll | Lexington, SC | 05/17/2025 | $25,044 |
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