📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Restaurant Cook Salary in Alabama (2026)

Alabama · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$33,304
per year
Median
$30,694
per year
Hourly
$16.01
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$22,560
25th Percentile — Junior$28,302
50th Percentile — Median$30,694
75th Percentile — Senior$41,221
90th Percentile — Top Earners$45,847
💡 Top-earning Restaurant Cooks in Alabama make up to $45,847 per year. The job market in Alabama is rated moderate, with key industries including Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$28.7k
2021
$29.6k
2022
$30.5k
2023
$31.4k
2024
$32.3k
2025
$33.3k
2026
📈 Restaurant Cook 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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Restaurant Cook Salary by City in Alabama
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Huntsville $29,974 -10.0% High
Birmingham $28,641 -14.0% High
🔍
Restaurant Cook Job Market in Alabama
Key factors affecting compensation

Alabama is home to a moderate job market for Restaurant Cooks. The state's key industries — Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $33,304 per year, Alabama's Restaurant Cook 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 $22,560–$28,302, while experienced Restaurant Cooks can command $41,221–$45,847.

Looking ahead, the Restaurant Cook 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Restaurant Cook salary in Alabama is $33,304 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $38,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Restaurant Cooks 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 Restaurant Cook employment.
  • At $33,304/year, Alabama Restaurant Cook salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $38,280/year.