RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Cooks, Restaurant salary in Louisville, Kentucky

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Louisville metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$35,140
Mean annual$34,240
Range (10th to 90th)$27,130 to $43,300
Louisville, Kentucky employment5,580
State vs national-6.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Louisville cooks, restaurant fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$27,13025TH$29,590MEDIAN$35,14075TH$37,01090TH$43,300

The middle 50% of workers earn between $29,590 and $37,010, with a median of $35,140.

Typical entry

  • Education

    No formal credential

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Moderate-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Food Production

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.6 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.5 / 5
  • Manual Dexterity

    Ability

    3.1 / 5
  • Information Ordering

    Ability

    3.1 / 5
  • Monitoring

    Cross-functional

    3.1 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    3.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment, work surfaces, and serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.

  2. 02

    Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.

  3. 03

    Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.

  4. 04

    Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.

  5. 05

    Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.

  6. 06

    Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.

  7. 07

    Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.

  8. 08

    Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cooks, Restaurant in the Louisville metropolitan area is $35,140.
Does Louisville pay more than the Kentucky state average for Cooks, Restaurant?
The Louisville metro median is +13.5% versus the Kentucky state median of $30,960.
How does Louisville compare to the national median for Cooks, Restaurant?
The Louisville metro median is -6.0% versus the BLS national figure of $37,372.
What is the salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Louisville?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $27,130 and the 90th-percentile at $43,300 for the Louisville metro area.
What education is required for Cooks, Restaurant?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as No formal credential. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Louisville CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.