Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Milwaukee, WI

In Milwaukee, WI, the typical cook working in a restaurant earns an annual salary of approximately $37,540, which is slightly above the national median of $36,830 for the same occupation. When compared to the area's median household income of $76,404, a cook's earnings constitute about 49% of that figure, indicating that this profession generally offers lower compensation relative to other household incomes in the region. The hourly wage for cooks stands at an average of $18.05, providing some insight into their earning potential on an hourly basis.

The salary spectrum for cooks in Milwaukee varies significantly based on experience and skill level. Entry-level workers tend to earn around or below the 10th percentile mark of $28,670 annually, reflecting the initial phase of career development where wages are lower due to less accumulated expertise and fewer responsibilities. In contrast, experienced cooks who have advanced their skills and taken on greater roles within a kitchen can expect to earn closer to or beyond the 75th percentile, which is about $42,420 per year. The difference in earnings between entry-level and seasoned workers primarily stems from factors such as years of experience, proficiency with complex cooking techniques, leadership abilities, and the capacity to handle more demanding culinary tasks efficiently.