Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC

In Myrtle Beach, SC, the typical cook working in restaurants earns a median annual salary of $34,770, which translates to about $16.72 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national median for cooks at $36,830, indicating that local wages are somewhat lower compared to the broader U.S. average. When considering the context of local household income, the typical cook's earnings represent approximately 53.8% of the area's median household income, which stands at $64,623. This comparison highlights a noticeable gap between individual earnings in this occupation and the overall economic standing within the community.

For cooks in Myrtle Beach, entry-level positions are generally on the lower end of the salary spectrum, with individuals at the 10th percentile earning around $25,420 annually. In contrast, those in more experienced roles can earn significantly more, reaching up to the 90th percentile with annual salaries as high as $41,450. The difference between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, specialization within culinary arts, work environment demands, and opportunities for advancement or management positions. These elements collectively contribute to the disparity in earnings across different experience levels in this occupation.