Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Las Vegas, NV

In Las Vegas, NV, the typical cook working in restaurants earns a median annual salary of $37,220, which translates to about $17.90 per hour. This figure is slightly above the national median for cooks at $36,830. When compared to the local household income, which stands at $73,845, it becomes evident that the earnings for cooks are roughly half of what an average Las Vegas household earns annually. Given the local unemployment rate of 5.80%, these figures reflect both the demand and value placed on culinary roles within the city's vibrant hospitality industry.

When examining the salary distribution for cooks in Las Vegas, entry-level workers earning at or below the 10th percentile make about $30,400 annually, while those at the median level earn $37,220. Experienced workers, especially those at the 75th percentile, see their earnings increase to approximately $47,670 per year, with top earners at the 90th percentile making as much as $52,530. This disparity in earnings is largely driven by factors such as experience, skill level, and the ability to work in high-end or specialty restaurants where compensation tends to be higher. Additionally, cooks who advance to supervisory roles or gain expertise in particular cuisines may see significant salary increases compared to their entry-level counterparts.