📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Cooks Restaurant Salary in Alabama (2026)

Alabama · 13.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$35,914
per year
Median
$33,304
per year
Hourly
$17.27
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$25,170
25th Percentile — Junior$30,912
50th Percentile — Median$33,304
75th Percentile — Senior$43,831
90th Percentile — Top Earners$48,248
💡 Top-earning Cooks Restaurants in Alabama make up to $48,248 per year. The job market in Alabama is rated moderate, with key industries including Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$31.0k
2021
$31.9k
2022
$32.9k
2023
$33.9k
2024
$34.9k
2025
$35.9k
2026
📈 Cooks Restaurant salaries in Alabama have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Alabama's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Cooks Restaurant Salary by City in Alabama
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Huntsville $32,323 -10.0% Very High
Birmingham $30,886 -14.0% Very High
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Cooks Restaurant Job Market in Alabama
Key factors affecting compensation

Alabama is home to a moderate job market for Cooks Restaurants. The state's key industries — Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $35,914 per year, Alabama's Cooks Restaurant salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Alabama (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Alabama can expect to earn $25,170–$30,912, while experienced Cooks Restaurants can command $43,831–$48,248.

Looking ahead, the Cooks Restaurant profession in Alabama is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Cooks Restaurant salary in Alabama is $35,914 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $41,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Cooks Restaurants the highest wages in Alabama due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Alabama has a moderate job market with major industries in Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Cooks Restaurant employment.
  • At $35,914/year, Alabama Cooks Restaurant salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $41,280/year.