Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, cooks working in the restaurant industry typically earn a median annual salary of $35,700, which translates to a median hourly wage of $17.16. This figure is slightly below the national median for cooks at $36,830. When compared to the local household income, which stands at an area median of $66,146, it is evident that the earnings of cooks represent a significant portion but not the entirety of a typical local household's income. Given that the local unemployment rate is relatively low at 4.00%, the demand for employment in this sector remains steady, yet the wages reflect the economic realities faced by workers within the restaurant industry.

Entry-level cooks in Columbia start on the lower end of the pay scale with earnings around $26,140 annually (10th percentile), while those gaining more experience and climbing up to the 25th percentile earn about $29,980. As they advance further into their careers or take on more responsibilities, experienced cooks can see substantial increases in their income, reaching up to approximately $37,060 at the 75th percentile and potentially as much as $42,910 annually for those at the 90th percentile. The difference in earnings between entry-level and seasoned workers is driven by factors such as years of experience, skill level, and specific responsibilities within a restaurant setting. This range underscores the potential for career growth and increased earning power through experience and professional development in the field.