Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Tucson, AZ

In Tucson, AZ, cooks in the restaurant industry typically earn a median annual salary of $36,020, which translates to a median hourly wage of $17.32. This figure is slightly below the national median for cooks at $36,830. When compared to the local household income in Tucson, the typical earnings of these workers represent roughly 53% of the area's median household income of $67,929. The lower salary for cooks relative to local household earnings may reflect factors such as industry standards and cost-of-living adjustments within the region.

Entry-level cooks in Tucson generally earn around the 10th percentile mark at approximately $30,680 annually, while those with more experience can earn closer to or above the 75th percentile at about $38,830. Highly skilled or seasoned cooks may reach earnings near the 90th percentile, which is approximately $44,370 per year. The difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as years of service, skill level, specialization within the culinary field, and performance evaluations. Additionally, market demand for experienced cooks can influence salary variations, incentivizing employers to offer higher wages to retain skilled staff in a competitive industry environment.