National Salary Overview
VS
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Median Salary
$31,083
Average (Mean)
$33,477
Employed Nationwide
82,520
Cooks, All Other earns $5,414 more (17.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$36,498
$31,083
Average (Mean) Salary
$37,670
$33,477
Total Employment
18,180
82,520
States with Higher Pay
30
3
Salary by State: Cooks, All Other vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Cooks, All Other pays more in 30 states; Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other pays more in 3.
| State | Cooks, All Other | Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $38,710 | $28,970 | +$9,740 | ||
| Arizona | $35,110 | $36,130 | $-1,020 | ||
| Arkansas | $31,890 | $28,890 | +$3,000 | ||
| California | $36,740 | $35,360 | +$1,380 | ||
| Colorado | $38,570 | $35,250 | +$3,320 | ||
| Connecticut | $37,910 | $37,350 | +$560 | ||
| Florida | $35,950 | $29,940 | +$6,010 | ||
| Georgia | $29,940 | $26,430 | +$3,510 | ||
| Hawaii | $35,400 | $37,010 | $-1,610 | ||
| Illinois | $44,970 | $34,970 | +$10,000 | ||
| Indiana | $38,340 | $31,760 | +$6,580 | ||
| Iowa | $33,410 | $32,080 | +$1,330 | ||
| Kentucky | $26,450 | $26,410 | +$40 | ||
| Louisiana | $29,550 | $28,020 | +$1,530 | ||
| Maryland | $36,590 | $34,740 | +$1,850 | ||
| Michigan | $34,130 | $32,570 | +$1,560 | ||
| Minnesota | $34,500 | $43,560 | $-9,060 | ||
| Missouri | $31,950 | $31,200 | +$750 | ||
| Montana | $29,810 | $24,960 | +$4,850 | ||
| Nevada | $45,380 | $35,750 | +$9,630 | ||
| New Jersey | $40,110 | $32,840 | +$7,270 | ||
| New York | $39,700 | $36,160 | +$3,540 | ||
| North Carolina | $29,010 | $27,280 | +$1,730 | ||
| Ohio | $36,100 | $25,820 | +$10,280 | ||
| Oregon | $38,600 | $31,200 | +$7,400 | ||
| South Carolina | $37,410 | $22,730 | +$14,680 | ||
| Tennessee | $33,560 | $29,120 | +$4,440 | ||
| Texas | $30,420 | $26,520 | +$3,900 | ||
| Utah | $37,200 | $30,440 | +$6,760 | ||
| Vermont | $38,210 | $30,330 | +$7,880 | ||
| Virginia | $29,280 | $27,520 | +$1,760 | ||
| Washington | $51,310 | $32,740 | +$18,570 | ||
| Wisconsin | $38,320 | $29,960 | +$8,360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Cooks, All Other or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
On average across all states, a Cooks, All Other earns more than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other. The national median salary difference is $5,414 (17.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Cooks, All Other earn more than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
A Cooks, All Other earns a higher median salary than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in 30 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Cooks, All Other vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
The national median salary for a Cooks, All Other is $36,498 per year, compared to $31,083 for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Cooks, All Other or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
There are more people employed as Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other. BLS reports approximately 18,180 Cooks, All Other positions and 82,520 Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Cooks, All Other or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
Both Cooks, All Other and Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.