National Salary Overview
VS
Cooks, All Other earns $6,414 more (21.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$36,498
$30,083
Average (Mean) Salary
$37,670
$35,911
Total Employment
18,180
2,237,890
States with Higher Pay
32
6
Salary by State: Cooks, All Other vs Waiters and Waitresses
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Cooks, All Other pays more in 32 states; Waiters and Waitresses pays more in 6.
| State | Cooks, All Other | Waiters and Waitresses | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,960 | $20,210 | +$12,750 | ||
| Alaska | $38,710 | $26,610 | +$12,100 | ||
| Arizona | $35,110 | $43,780 | $-8,670 | ||
| Arkansas | $31,890 | $26,160 | +$5,730 | ||
| California | $36,740 | $34,780 | +$1,960 | ||
| Colorado | $38,570 | $33,020 | +$5,550 | ||
| Connecticut | $37,910 | $35,530 | +$2,380 | ||
| Florida | $35,950 | $29,940 | +$6,010 | ||
| Georgia | $29,940 | $23,030 | +$6,910 | ||
| Hawaii | $35,400 | $28,180 | +$7,220 | ||
| Idaho | $38,820 | $29,710 | +$9,110 | ||
| Illinois | $44,970 | $28,030 | +$16,940 | ||
| Indiana | $38,340 | $23,990 | +$14,350 | ||
| Iowa | $33,410 | $27,000 | +$6,410 | ||
| Kentucky | $26,450 | $21,360 | +$5,090 | ||
| Louisiana | $29,550 | $22,230 | +$7,320 | ||
| Maryland | $36,590 | $33,760 | +$2,830 | ||
| Massachusetts | $57,420 | $35,070 | +$22,350 | ||
| Michigan | $34,130 | $35,400 | $-1,270 | ||
| Minnesota | $34,500 | $23,850 | +$10,650 | ||
| Missouri | $31,950 | $33,010 | $-1,060 | ||
| Montana | $29,810 | $20,990 | +$8,820 | ||
| Nevada | $45,380 | $24,960 | +$20,420 | ||
| New Jersey | $40,110 | $37,270 | +$2,840 | ||
| New York | $39,700 | $41,540 | $-1,840 | ||
| North Carolina | $29,010 | $21,060 | +$7,950 | ||
| North Dakota | $35,980 | $29,540 | +$6,440 | ||
| Ohio | $36,100 | $28,950 | +$7,150 | ||
| Oregon | $38,600 | $31,110 | +$7,490 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $37,230 | $29,710 | +$7,520 | ||
| South Carolina | $37,410 | $18,680 | +$18,730 | ||
| Tennessee | $33,560 | $27,060 | +$6,500 | ||
| Texas | $30,420 | $27,030 | +$3,390 | ||
| Utah | $37,200 | $31,860 | +$5,340 | ||
| Vermont | $38,210 | $60,300 | $-22,090 | ||
| Virginia | $29,280 | $34,150 | $-4,870 | ||
| Washington | $51,310 | $48,980 | +$2,330 | ||
| Wisconsin | $38,320 | $28,090 | +$10,230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Cooks, All Other or Waiters and Waitresses?
On average across all states, a Cooks, All Other earns more than a Waiters and Waitresses. The national median salary difference is $6,414 (21.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Cooks, All Other earn more than a Waiters and Waitresses?
A Cooks, All Other earns a higher median salary than a Waiters and Waitresses in 32 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Waiters and Waitresses pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Cooks, All Other vs Waiters and Waitresses?
The national median salary for a Cooks, All Other is $36,498 per year, compared to $30,083 for a Waiters and Waitresses, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Cooks, All Other or Waiters and Waitresses?
There are more people employed as Waiters and Waitresses. BLS reports approximately 18,180 Cooks, All Other positions and 2,237,890 Waiters and Waitresses positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Cooks, All Other or Waiters and Waitresses?
Both Cooks, All Other and Waiters and Waitresses 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.