Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Minneapolis, MN-WI

In Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI, cooks in the restaurant industry earn a median annual salary of $39,710, which translates to a median hourly wage of $19.09. This figure is higher than the national median for cooks, which stands at $36,830 annually. However, when compared to the local median household income of $98,180, cooks' earnings represent approximately 40% of what typical households in the area earn. The disparity highlights a significant difference between individual restaurant worker incomes and broader household financial standards within the region.

At the entry-level, cooks may find themselves earning around $34,830 annually, which places them at the 10th percentile of the salary distribution for this occupation. As they gain experience, there is potential to earn up to $47,880 annually, situating an experienced cook in the 90th percentile. The difference between entry-level and seasoned workers' earnings can be attributed to factors such as increased proficiency, tenure, and responsibility within the kitchen hierarchy. Additionally, cooks with specialized skills or those working in higher-end establishments may command salaries at the upper end of the spectrum, reflecting their value in more competitive culinary markets.