RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Cooks, Restaurant salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Minneapolis 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$39,710
Mean annual$41,830
Range (10th to 90th)$34,830 to $47,880
Minneapolis, Minnesota employment18,230
State vs national+6.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Minneapolis cooks, restaurant fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$34,83025TH$36,620MEDIAN$39,71075TH$46,48090TH$47,880

The middle 50% of workers earn between $36,620 and $46,480, with a median of $39,710.

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 Minneapolis, Minnesota?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cooks, Restaurant in the Minneapolis metropolitan area is $39,710.
Does Minneapolis pay more than the Minnesota state average for Cooks, Restaurant?
The Minneapolis metro median is +3.9% versus the Minnesota state median of $38,220.
How does Minneapolis compare to the national median for Cooks, Restaurant?
The Minneapolis metro median is +6.3% versus the BLS national figure of $37,372.
What is the salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Minneapolis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $34,830 and the 90th-percentile at $47,880 for the Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.