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Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Alabama

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Cooks, Restaurant make in Alabama?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$32,180
Median Annual Salary
▲ +6.9% vs 2024
$33,000
Mean Salary
$32,180
Median Salary
$15.47
Hourly Rate
16,260 people work as Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama

Cooks, Restaurant salary by percentile in Alabama

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Cooks, Restaurant salary in Alabama — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama.10thBottom 10% earn less than $24,170$24,17025th25% earn less than $28,930$28,930MedianHalf earn more than $32,180$32,18075th75% earn less than $36,220$36,22090thTop 10% earn more than $39,220$39,220

Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama earn a median salary of $32,180 per year ($2,681/month). This is 14.6% below the national average of $37,684. Alabama ranks #46 out of 51 states for Cooks, Restaurant pay. Approximately 16,260 people work in this occupation across Alabama. Salaries increased by 6.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Cooks, Restaurant

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

Top Skills

Monitoring
3.12
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Food Production
4.1
Customer and Personal Service
3.89
English Language
3.56
Production and Processing
3.0
Administration and Management
2.92
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (44.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama

Salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama range from $24,170 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $39,220 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,930 and $36,220.

Median $32,180
P10: $24,170 P25: $28,930 P75: $36,220 P90: $39,220
10th
$24,170
25th
$28,930
Median
$32,180
75th
$36,220
90th
$39,220
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $24,170 $11.62 $2,014
25th Percentile $28,930 $13.91 $2,410
Median (50th) $32,180 $15.47 $2,681
75th Percentile $36,220 $17.41 $3,018
90th Percentile (Experienced) $39,220 $18.86 $3,268

Note: The mean (average) salary of $33,000 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#46
Alabama ranks #46 of 51 states
$37,684
National avg. for Cooks, Restaurant
-14.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Alabama:

What does this salary really buy? See Cooks, Restaurant salary in Alabama adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Cooks, Restaurant take-home pay in Alabama after taxes →

Explore Cooks, Restaurant Data in Alabama

Cooks, Restaurant Salary by State

Compare Cooks, Restaurant pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Cooks, Restaurant make in Alabama?
The median annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama is $32,180 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $33,000.
What is the salary range for a Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama?
Salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama range from $24,170 at the 10th percentile to $39,220 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,930 and $36,220.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama?
Entry-level Cooks, Restaurant positions in Alabama typically start around $24,170 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,930 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 16,260 people are employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama.
What is the hourly rate for a Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama is approximately $15.47 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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