Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Rochester, NY

In Rochester, NY, the typical cook working in a restaurant earns an annual salary of approximately $36,920, with a median hourly wage of $17.75. This figure is very close to the national median for cooks, which stands at $36,830. When compared to the local household income, where the area's median is $74,438, it becomes evident that restaurant cooks earn significantly less than the average household in Rochester. Despite this, with an estimated 3,220 individuals employed as cooks and a relatively low local unemployment rate of 3.60%, the demand for cooks remains steady, reflecting a stable job market within the culinary sector.

For entry-level cooks in Rochester, NY, earnings start at around $31,200 annually, placing them at the 10th percentile, while those at the 25th percentile earn about $34,320. Experienced cooks who are more proficient and perhaps specialize in certain cuisines can see their wages rise to the 75th percentile, with annual salaries approaching $41,910. Top earners, at the 90th percentile, can make up to $46,750 per year. The difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers is largely driven by factors such as years of experience, specialization skills, performance, and sometimes additional responsibilities or roles within a restaurant setting. As cooks gain more expertise and move into positions that require higher skill levels or management duties, their earning potential increases correspondingly.