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, Short Order Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Cooks, Short Order make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$31,840
Median Annual Salary
▲ +9.3% vs 2024
$33,160
Mean Salary
$31,840
Median Salary
$15.31
Hourly Rate
650 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky

Cooks, Short Order salary by percentile in Kentucky

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

Cooks, Short Order salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $22,860$22,86025th25% earn less than $26,430$26,430MedianHalf earn more than $31,840$31,84075th75% earn less than $39,040$39,04090thTop 10% earn more than $44,880$44,880

Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky earn a median salary of $31,840 per year ($2,653/month). This is 7.7% below the national average of $34,505. Kentucky ranks #32 out of 49 states for Cooks, Short Order pay. Approximately 650 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 9.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Cooks, Short Order

Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
3.76
Food Production
3.49
Production and Processing
3.35
English Language
3.09
Mathematics
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (54.7% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky

Salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky range from $22,860 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,880 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $26,430 and $39,040.

Median $31,840
P10: $22,860 P25: $26,430 P75: $39,040 P90: $44,880
10th
$22,860
25th
$26,430
Median
$31,840
75th
$39,040
90th
$44,880
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $22,860 $10.99 $1,905
25th Percentile $26,430 $12.71 $2,202
Median (50th) $31,840 $15.31 $2,653
75th Percentile $39,040 $18.77 $3,253
90th Percentile (Experienced) $44,880 $21.58 $3,740

Note: The mean (average) salary of $33,160 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#32
Kentucky ranks #32 of 49 states
$34,505
National avg. for Cooks, Short Order
-7.7%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Kentucky:

What does this salary really buy? See Cooks, Short Order salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Cooks, Short Order take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Cooks, Short Order Data in Kentucky

Cooks, Short Order Salary by State

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

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Cooks, Short Order make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky is $31,840 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $33,160.
What is the salary range for a Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky?
Salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky range from $22,860 at the 10th percentile to $44,880 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $26,430 and $39,040.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky?
Entry-level Cooks, Short Order positions in Kentucky typically start around $22,860 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $26,430 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 650 people are employed as Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky is approximately $15.31 per hour.

💼 Earning $31,840/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

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

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn