Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Central Louisiana

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $26,960 -26.8% vs national
Median hourly $12.96
10th percentile $16,570
90th percentile $40,430
Employed locally 510
National median $36,830

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Cooks, Restaurant
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Central Louisiana
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $16,570
    25th
    $21,700
    50th (median)
    $26,960
    75th
    $32,660
    90th
    $40,430

    Top-paying metros for Cooks, Restaurant

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $48,320
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $46,970
    Portland-South Portland, ME $46,960
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $46,960
    Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area $46,500
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $46,340

    Related occupations in Central Louisiana

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $21,540
    Food Preparation Workers $21,680
    Waiters and Waitresses $16,240
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $30,770
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $23,160
    Cooks, Short Order $22,830

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Cooks, Restaurant make per hour in Central Louisiana?

    The median hourly wage for Cooks, Restaurant in Central Louisiana is $12.96, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.96 or more per hour.

    Is Central Louisiana above or below average for Cooks, Restaurant salaries?

    The median Cooks, Restaurant salary in Central Louisiana is 26.8% below the national median of $36,830. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Central Louisiana?

    Entry-level Cooks, Restaurant (10th percentile) earn around $16,570 per year in Central Louisiana. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $21,700.