Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Akron, OH

In Akron, Ohio, cooks employed in the restaurant industry earn a median annual salary of $34,890 and a median hourly wage of $16.77. This figure is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $36,830. When compared to the local median household income of $71,312, the earnings of typical cooks represent approximately 48.9% of that amount, indicating that most households rely on multiple sources of income or other members working to meet financial needs. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by individuals in this occupation when it comes to achieving parity with broader economic standards within Akron.

Entry-level cooks in Akron typically earn around $23,870 annually, which is at the 10th percentile mark for their field, while those with more experience and skill may approach or exceed the 75th percentile salary of $36,760. The highest-earning cooks can reach up to the 90th percentile, earning approximately $41,250 per year. This significant variance in earnings is driven by factors such as years of experience, level of culinary expertise, type of restaurant (e.g., fine dining versus casual eatery), and additional responsibilities taken on within their roles. As workers gain more experience and develop specialized skills, they become eligible for higher-paying positions or promotions that contribute to the observed salary differences between entry-level and seasoned professionals in this field.