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Cooks, Short Order Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Cooks, Short Order make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$30,210
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.2% vs 2024
$31,620
Mean Salary
$30,210
Median Salary
$14.52
Hourly Rate
2,510 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee

Cooks, Short Order salary by percentile in Tennessee

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

Cooks, Short Order salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $22,880$22,88025th25% earn less than $26,780$26,780MedianHalf earn more than $30,210$30,21075th75% earn less than $36,350$36,35090thTop 10% earn more than $39,240$39,240

Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee earn a median salary of $30,210 per year ($2,517/month). This is 12.4% below the national average of $34,505. Tennessee ranks #37 out of 49 states for Cooks, Short Order pay. Approximately 2,510 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 4.2% 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 Tennessee

Salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee range from $22,880 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $39,240 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $26,780 and $36,350.

Median $30,210
P10: $22,880 P25: $26,780 P75: $36,350 P90: $39,240
10th
$22,880
25th
$26,780
Median
$30,210
75th
$36,350
90th
$39,240
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $22,880 $11.00 $1,906
25th Percentile $26,780 $12.88 $2,231
Median (50th) $30,210 $14.52 $2,517
75th Percentile $36,350 $17.48 $3,029
90th Percentile (Experienced) $39,240 $18.87 $3,270

Note: The mean (average) salary of $31,620 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#37
Tennessee ranks #37 of 49 states
$34,505
National avg. for Cooks, Short Order
-12.4%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Tennessee:

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

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

Explore Cooks, Short Order Data in Tennessee

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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee is $30,210 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $31,620.
What is the salary range for a Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee?
Salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee range from $22,880 at the 10th percentile to $39,240 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $26,780 and $36,350.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee?
Entry-level Cooks, Short Order positions in Tennessee typically start around $22,880 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $26,780 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,510 people are employed as Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Cooks, Short Order in Tennessee is approximately $14.52 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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