📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Cooks Restaurant Salary in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin · 8.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$37,978
per year
Median
$35,218
per year
Hourly
$18.26
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$26,616
25th Percentile — Junior$32,688
50th Percentile — Median$35,218
75th Percentile — Senior$46,350
90th Percentile — Top Earners$51,021
💡 Top-earning Cooks Restaurants in Wisconsin make up to $51,021 per year. The job market in Wisconsin is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$32.8k
2021
$33.7k
2022
$34.8k
2023
$35.8k
2024
$36.9k
2025
$38.0k
2026
📈 Cooks Restaurant salaries in Wisconsin have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Wisconsin's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Cooks Restaurant Salary by City in Wisconsin
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Milwaukee $35,320 -7.0% Very High
Madison $36,839 -3.0% Very High
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Cooks Restaurant Job Market in Wisconsin
Key factors affecting compensation

Wisconsin is home to a moderate job market for Cooks Restaurants. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $37,978 per year, Wisconsin's Cooks Restaurant salaries are 8.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Wisconsin (index: 0.92) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Wisconsin can expect to earn $26,616–$32,688, while experienced Cooks Restaurants can command $46,350–$51,021.

Looking ahead, the Cooks Restaurant profession in Wisconsin is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing 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 Wisconsin is $37,978 per year in 2026, which is 8.0% below the national average of $41,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Cooks Restaurants the highest wages in Wisconsin due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Wisconsin has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Cooks Restaurant employment.
  • At $37,978/year, Wisconsin Cooks Restaurant salaries are 8.0% lower than the national average of $41,280/year.