Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Palm Bay, FL

In Palm Bay, FL, cooks in the restaurant industry typically earn a median annual salary of $35,810, with a median hourly wage of $17.22. When compared to the national median for this occupation, which stands at $36,830, local earnings are slightly below average. Furthermore, the typical income for these workers is significantly less than the area's median household income, which is approximately $75,817. This disparity highlights a notable difference between individual earnings within the restaurant sector and the broader economic landscape of Palm Bay, potentially reflecting the lower wage levels traditionally associated with culinary positions.

Entry-level cooks in Palm Bay generally earn around the 10th percentile mark at $28,760 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make about $31,490. In contrast, experienced cooks approaching the higher end of the pay scale can earn up to $43,940 per year, which is near the 90th percentile. The primary factors driving these differences in earnings include experience level, skill proficiency, and possibly the type of restaurant or establishment where one is employed. As workers gain more experience and refine their skills, opportunities for higher wages increase, reflecting a typical career progression within the industry.