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 vs Dishwashers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Cooks, Short Order

Median Salary
$34,504
Average (Mean)
$35,344
Employed Nationwide
132,800
VS

Dishwashers

Median Salary
$32,185
Average (Mean)
$32,829
Employed Nationwide
477,420
Cooks, Short Order earns $2,319 more (7.2%)
Cooks, Short Order vs Dishwashers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Cooks, Short OrderCooks, Short OrderCooks, Short Order: $34,505$34,505DishwashersDishwashersDishwashers: $32,186$32,186

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $34,504 $32,185
Average (Mean) Salary $35,344 $32,829
Total Employment 132,800 477,420
States with Higher Pay 35 14

Salary by State: Cooks, Short Order vs Dishwashers

Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Cooks, Short Order pays more in 35 states; Dishwashers pays more in 14.

State Cooks, Short Order Dishwashers Difference
Alabama $22,330
$28,930
$-6,600
Alaska $37,780
$33,890
+$3,890
Arizona $46,630
$35,130
+$11,500
Arkansas $30,510
$27,540
+$2,970
California $42,930
$37,870
+$5,060
Colorado $42,450
$37,840
+$4,610
Connecticut $42,450
$35,550
+$6,900
Delaware $38,500
$35,780
+$2,720
District of Columbia $42,450
$38,670
+$3,780
Florida $34,240
$31,240
+$3,000
Georgia $26,870
$29,730
$-2,860
Hawaii $43,110
$37,740
+$5,370
Idaho $40,090
$29,920
+$10,170
Illinois $37,440
$36,180
+$1,260
Indiana $21,940
$29,480
$-7,540
Iowa $34,090
$29,300
+$4,790
Kansas $27,400
$28,060
$-660
Kentucky $31,840
$29,060
+$2,780
Louisiana $26,260
$26,440
$-180
Maine $35,360
$35,620
$-260
Maryland $36,800
$34,030
+$2,770
Massachusetts $44,290
$37,190
+$7,100
Michigan $34,510
$31,300
+$3,210
Minnesota $32,150
$34,060
$-1,910
Mississippi $28,180
$26,300
+$1,880
Missouri $38,490
$32,150
+$6,340
Montana $33,240
$30,130
+$3,110
Nebraska $30,530
$29,740
+$790
Nevada $37,780
$34,920
+$2,860
New Hampshire $32,330
$34,960
$-2,630
New Jersey $40,720
$35,900
+$4,820
New Mexico $37,150
$30,520
+$6,630
New York $35,550
$35,450
+$100
North Carolina $31,290
$30,340
+$950
Ohio $29,290
$29,520
$-230
Oklahoma $35,130
$27,390
+$7,740
Oregon $38,550
$36,040
+$2,510
Pennsylvania $19,910
$29,950
$-10,040
Rhode Island $46,250
$33,960
+$12,290
South Carolina $29,640
$29,160
+$480
South Dakota $32,380
$28,190
+$4,190
Tennessee $30,210
$30,530
$-320
Texas $25,320
$29,610
$-4,290
Utah $38,010
$31,830
+$6,180
Vermont $38,830
$36,010
+$2,820
Virginia $31,200
$33,130
$-1,930
Washington $42,760
$40,080
+$2,680
West Virginia $27,440
$26,460
+$980
Wisconsin $28,130
$29,070
$-940

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Cooks, Short Order vs Dishwashers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Cooks, Short Order or Dishwashers?
On average across all states, a Cooks, Short Order earns more than a Dishwashers. The national median salary difference is $2,319 (7.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Cooks, Short Order earn more than a Dishwashers?
A Cooks, Short Order earns a higher median salary than a Dishwashers in 35 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Dishwashers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Cooks, Short Order vs Dishwashers?
The national median salary for a Cooks, Short Order is $34,504 per year, compared to $32,185 for a Dishwashers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Cooks, Short Order or Dishwashers?
There are more people employed as Dishwashers. BLS reports approximately 132,800 Cooks, Short Order positions and 477,420 Dishwashers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Cooks, Short Order or Dishwashers?
Both Cooks, Short Order and Dishwashers 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.

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

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

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy