How Much Does a Short Order Cook Make? (2025)
A short order cook prepares and quickly cooks a variety of dishes such as eggs, sandwiches, and burgers, focusing on speed and quality. They manage multiple orders simultaneously, coordinate with kitchen staff, and ensure food is served promptly. They maintain cleanliness, follow food safety standards, and adapt to fast-paced environments to satisfy customer needs efficiently.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for short order cooks is expected to grow by 5% over the next decade from 2024 to 2034. Salary.com reports that the average yearly salary for short order cooks in the US is $27,910 for 2025.
Learn more about the salary trend for short order cooks and top-paying cities in the US, as well as some FAQs about the occupation.
What is the Average Short Order Cook's Salary
As mentioned above, the average annual salary for short order cooks in the United States is $27,910 in 2025. As of August 14, 2025, the salary range for short order cooks in the US is between $24,490 and $32,151, with most earning $26,120 to $30,130 per year.
2025 Average Salary for Short Order Cooks: $27,910 per year ($13 per hour)
A short order cook's average monthly salary is $2,326, while the average weekly pay is $537. Meanwhile, the salary of a short order cook per hour is $13 according to the report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $12 | $471 | $2,041 | $24,490 |
| 25th Percentile | $13 | $502 | $2,177 | $26,120 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $13 | $537 | $2,326 | $27,910 |
| 75th Percentile | $14 | $579 | $2,511 | $30,130 |
| 90th Percentile | $15 | $618 | $2,679 | $32,151 |
Short Order Cook Salaries State by State
Short order cook salaries may vary across US states depending on key factors such as state minimum wage, occupation demand, location, and standards of living.
As shown in the table below, the three (3) states with the lowest average annual salary for short order cooks in the United States are Mississippi, West Virginia, and South Dakota with $24,890, $25,130, and $25,370, respectively.
Meanwhile, the three (3) states with the highest average annual salary for short order cooks are the District of Columbia, California, and New Jersey with $30,900, $30,790, and $30,250, respectively.
| States | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $30,210 |
| Alabama | $25,640 |
| Arkansas | $25,220 |
| Arizona | $27,200 |
| California | $30,790 |
| Colorado | $28,480 |
| Connecticut | $29,830 |
| District of Columbia | $30,900 |
| Delaware | $28,270 |
| Florida | $26,410 |
| Georgia | $26,920 |
| Hawaii | $29,170 |
| Iowa | $26,710 |
| Idaho | $26,060 |
| Illinois | $28,450 |
| Indiana | $26,790 |
| Kansas | $26,580 |
| Kentucky | $26,260 |
| Louisiana | $26,540 |
| Massachusetts | $30,380 |
| Maryland | $28,780 |
| Maine | $27,210 |
| Michigan | $27,490 |
| Minnesota | $28,560 |
| Missouri | $26,520 |
| Mississippi | $24,890 |
| Montana | $26,350 |
| North Carolina | $26,520 |
| North Dakota | $27,570 |
| Nebraska | $26,300 |
| New Hampshire | $28,220 |
| New Jersey | $30,250 |
| New Mexico | $25,850 |
| Nevada | $27,620 |
| New York | $29,670 |
| Ohio | $27,180 |
| Oklahoma | $25,810 |
| Oregon | $28,240 |
| Pennsylvania | $27,790 |
| Rhode Island | $28,940 |
| South Carolina | $26,150 |
| South Dakota | $25,370 |
| Tennessee | $26,080 |
| Texas | $27,220 |
| Utah | $26,730 |
| Virginia | $28,110 |
| Vermont | $27,390 |
| Washington | $30,260 |
| Wisconsin | $27,460 |
| West Virginia | $25,130 |
| Wyoming | $26,770 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Short Order Cooks?
Short order cook salaries also vary by city due to the differences in standard of living, local demand for the occupation, and industry rates in metropolitan areas.
The table below shows that the labor industry in California is offering higher average annual salaries for short order cooks, specifically in cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland. Certain cities such as New York, Queens Village, and Paramus, also show signs of increased demand for short order cook occupations:
| Cities | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $35,200 ($17 per hour) |
| San Francisco, California | $34,860 ($17 per hour) |
| Oakland, California | $34,080 ($16 per hour) |
| New York, New York | $32,250 ($16 per hour) |
| Queens Village, New York | $32,140 ($15 per hour) |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $31,910 ($15 per hour) |
How Does Experience Affect Short Order Cook Salaries?
Having more experience gives short order cooks an edge over their peers and plays an important role in increasing their salary.
Salary.com reports that entry-level short order cooks earn an average annual income of $27,606. Having 2 more years of experience can increase a short order cook's salary to $27,930.
After 2 to 4 years of experience, the salary for short order cooks could increase to about $28,659. Specialist and expert-level short order cooks can earn up to $28,758 and $28,924 respectively.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Short Order Cook | $27,606 |
| Intermediate Level Short Order Cook | $27,930 |
| Senior Level Short Order Cook | $28,659 |
| Specialist Level Short Order Cook | $28,758 |
| Expert Level Short Order Cook | $28,924 |
How to Increase Salary as a Short Order Cook?
Short order cooks typically gain experience through on-the-job training, culinary courses, or vocational programs focused on food preparation and kitchen operations. While a formal degree is not generally required, strong multitasking skills, time management, and knowledge of food safety are essential. To increase their salary, short order cooks can pursue the following advancements and skills:
Short Order Cook Advancements:
- Licenses and Certifications: Obtaining food handler certifications, SERV Safe certification, or other culinary safety credentials can improve job prospects and trustworthiness.
- Professional Growth: Gaining experience in fast-paced kitchens, mastering cooking techniques, and moving into supervisory roles such as lead cook or kitchen manager can boost earnings. Specializing in specific cuisines or cooking styles may also open higher-paying opportunities.
- Additional Skills: Learning inventory management, customer service, and efficient kitchen workflow can increase value to employers. Developing speed and consistency while maintaining food quality is crucial for advancement.
- Salary and Outlook: Median salaries for short order cooks are around $28,924 annually, though this varies based on location, experience, and employer. Entry-level wages can be modest, but steady growth is possible by building skills and taking on leadership roles. Job demand remains steady due to the continual need for quick-service food preparation.
In conclusion, short order cooks can enhance their salaries by earning certifications, gaining experience, and developing specialized skills. Career advancement is achievable through dedication to fast, quality cooking and by taking on greater responsibilities in the kitchen.
Short Order Cook Skills:
Gaining sought-after skills for a short order cook is an effective way to earn a higher salary and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand skills for short order cooks are food safety procedures and fire safety, with 10.90% and 10.70%, respectively.
Also, essential skills such as safety training and menu planning can increase the salary for short order cooks by 10.79% and 10.74%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Training | 10.70% | +10.79% |
| Menu Planning | 10.50% | +10.74% |
| Inventory Control | 10.40% | +9.78% |
| Promotion | 10.60% | +9.19% |
| Fire Safety | 10.70% | +9.14% |
| Food Safety Procedures | 10.90% | +9.01% |
What are the FAQs About Short Order Cook Salaries?
Here are some common questions about the short order cook salary:
What does a short order cook do?
A short order cook prepares a variety of quick meals in a fast-paced kitchen environment, ensuring orders are completed promptly without sacrificing quality. They handle multiple tasks simultaneously, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and follow food safety standards. Here are some of their key job responsibilities:
- Prepare and cook food items such as eggs, sandwiches, and burgers quickly and accurately.
- Manage multiple orders at once while coordinating with servers and kitchen staff.
- Monitor food inventory and restock supplies as needed.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of cooking and preparation areas.
- Follow health and safety regulations to ensure food is safe for consumption.
- Adapt rush periods by working efficiently under pressure.
- Communicate with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
What educational background or degree is needed to become a short order cook?
Short order cooks typically do not require a formal degree to enter the field. Most gain skills through high school education, on-the-job training, or vocational programs focused on culinary basics and food safety. However, completing courses in culinary arts or earning certifications such as SERV Safe can improve job prospects and confidence in kitchen operations. Advanced degrees are generally not necessary for this role.
Are short order cooks in demand?
Yes. BLS reports that the job outlook for short order cooks from 2024 to 2034 is expected to grow by 5%, which is faster than the average occupational growth and translates to roughly 432,200 job openings.
