Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Cooks, Restaurant make in South Dakota?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$36,220
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.0% vs 2024
$36,720
Mean Salary
$36,220
Median Salary
$17.41
Hourly Rate
1,890 people work as Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota
Cooks, Restaurant salary by percentile in South Dakota
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota earn a median salary of $36,220 per year ($3,018/month).
This is 3.9% below the national average of $37,684.
South Dakota ranks #35 out of 51 states for Cooks, Restaurant pay.
Approximately 1,890 people work in this occupation across South Dakota.
Salaries increased by 3.0% 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)
Salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota range from $30,140 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,990 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $33,040 and $38,910.
Median $36,220
P10: $30,140P25: $33,040P75: $38,910P90: $44,990
10th
$30,140
25th
$33,040
Median
$36,220
75th
$38,910
90th
$44,990
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$30,140
$14.49
$2,511
25th Percentile
$33,040
$15.88
$2,753
Median (50th)
$36,220
$17.41
$3,018
75th Percentile
$38,910
$18.71
$3,242
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$44,990
$21.63
$3,749
Note: The mean (average) salary of $36,720 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Cooks, Restaurant make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota is $36,220 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $36,720.
What is the salary range for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota?
Salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota range from $30,140 at the 10th percentile to $44,990 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $33,040 and $38,910.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota?
Entry-level Cooks, Restaurant positions in South Dakota typically start around $30,140 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $33,040 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,890 people are employed as Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota is approximately $17.41 per hour.
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.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.