Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Toledo, OH

In Toledo, Ohio, cooks in the restaurant industry have a median annual salary of $33,860 and earn approximately $16.28 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for cooks, which stands at $36,830. When compared to local household income, which averages $63,749, the earnings of a typical cook represent about 53% of the area's median household income. This disparity highlights that while cooks are essential in the restaurant sector, their compensation is substantially below the average household earnings in Toledo, reflecting broader trends within the service industry where wages often lag behind other sectors.

Entry-level cooks in Toledo earn around $22,990 annually, placing them at the 10th percentile of salary distribution. In contrast, more experienced and skilled cooks can earn up to $42,030 per year, reaching the 90th percentile. The progression from entry-level to higher earnings is driven by several factors including years of experience, specialization in certain culinary techniques or cuisines, and the prestige of the establishment where one works. Additional skills such as leadership roles or managerial responsibilities also contribute significantly to salary increases within this profession.