Cook Salary in Cambridge, MA

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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How much does a Cook make in Cambridge, MA?

The average salary for a Cook is $40,664 per year in Cambridge, MA.

Cooks in Cambridge, MA, earn a competitive salary that reflects their skills and experience. The average yearly salary for a cook in this area is about $40,664.


Salaries can vary based on expertise and specific roles within the kitchen. Entry-level cooks typically start around $34,000 a year. As they gain experience, their earnings can increase significantly. More seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $51,000 annually.


This range indicates that cooks in Cambridge have various opportunities to improve their earnings through experience and skill development. The culinary scene in Cambridge is vibrant, providing cooks with a chance to work in diverse settings, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. This contributes to both job satisfaction and financial rewards.

View Cook Jobs in Cambridge, MA

What are the highest paying cities for Cook near Cambridge, MA?

Cook jobs pay the highest in Jamaica Plain, MA, with an average salary of $52,009. Belmont and Chelsea follow, offering approximately $45,911 and $44,703, respectively. These cities provide great opportunities for cooks looking for higher wages near Cambridge, MA.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Cambridge, MA, highlighting Jamaica Plain, MA with the highest at $52,009 and Quincy, MA with the lowest at $38,774.
  1. Jamaica Plain, MA
    Average Salary: $52,009
    Jamaica Plain offers a vibrant food scene, making it an exciting place for culinary professionals. Many local restaurants focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, providing ample opportunity to create unique dishes.
    Find Cook jobs in Jamaica Plain, MA


  2. Belmont, MA
    Average Salary: $45,911
    Belmont features a cozy dining environment with a mix of family-owned restaurants and small bistros. Chefs here often personalize menus based on community tastes, allowing for creativity and connection with locals.
    Find Cook jobs in Belmont, MA


  3. Chelsea, MA
    Average Salary: $44,703
    Chelsea is home to a diverse culinary landscape, reflecting its multicultural community. Working in this city can expose culinary professionals to various cuisines and cooking styles, enhancing their skills.
    Find Cook jobs in Chelsea, MA


  4. Somerville, MA
    Average Salary: $43,187
    Somerville boasts a thriving restaurant scene with many acclaimed eateries. Chefs in this area can enjoy collaboration with local farms and artisans, emphasizing fresh and unique menu offerings.
    Find Cook jobs in Somerville, MA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $41,721
    Boston is a bustling city with a rich culinary scene, from upscale dining to casual spots. Numerous top restaurants and hotels, like The Capital Grille and Legal Sea Foods, provide plenty of opportunities for bakers and chefs to shine.
    Find Cook jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Brighton, MA
    Average Salary: $41,676
    Brighton offers an energetic food culture, popular among college students and families alike. Chefs in this neighborhood can explore a range of cuisines and engage with a diverse customer base.
    Find Cook jobs in Brighton, MA


  7. Newton, MA
    Average Salary: $41,614
    Newton captures an elegant suburban dining experience with many high-quality restaurants. Culinary experts can thrive here by emphasizing fine dining and excellent service, appealing to the community's tastes.
    Find Cook jobs in Newton, MA


  8. Waltham, MA
    Average Salary: $40,681
    Waltham is known for its bustling restaurant scene and tasty eateries. Cooks can explore various culinary traditions and work in popular venues, including craft breweries and innovative dining spots.
    Find Cook jobs in Waltham, MA


  9. Watertown, MA
    Average Salary: $39,113
    Watertown features a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options, welcoming culinary creativity. Working here allows chefs to serve a diverse clientele while experimenting with new flavors and techniques.
    Find Cook jobs in Watertown, MA


  10. Quincy, MA
    Average Salary: $38,774
    Quincy blends a rich historic atmosphere with a growing restaurant industry. Cooks can take advantage of the fresh seafood and local ingredients while delivering delicious dishes to a supportive community.
    Find Cook jobs in Quincy, MA

What are the best paying companies for Cook in Cambridge, MA?

In Cambridge, MA, several companies offer attractive salaries for Cook positions. Neville Center at Fresh Pond leads with an average salary of $50,500, followed closely by Restaurant Associates at $49,036. Other notable employers include Bon Appétit and FLIK Hospitality Group, both providing competitive pay in the cooking profession.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Neville Center at Fresh Pond with the highest at $50,500 and IHOP with the lowest at $36,000.
  1. Neville Center at Fresh Pond
    Average Salary: $50,500
    Neville Center at Fresh Pond offers exciting opportunities for cooks to work in a vibrant environment. Located in Cambridge, MA, this company provides quality meals that nourish residents.


  2. Restaurant Associates
    Average Salary: $49,036
    Restaurant Associates focuses on providing excellent dining experiences. Cooks at this company can expect to work in various locations across Cambridge, MA, delivering high-quality meals to different venues.


  3. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $48,110
    Bon Appétit prides itself on sustainability and sourcing fresh ingredients. Cooks at Bon Appétit in Cambridge, MA, play a crucial role in preparing delicious meals for diverse clientele.


  4. FLIK Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $46,286
    FLIK Hospitality Group specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine. Cooks at FLIK in Cambridge, MA, contribute to a dynamic kitchen that serves various institutions and events.


  5. ISS Facility Services
    Average Salary: $42,625
    ISS Facility Services provides integrated facilities management. Cooks at ISS work in diverse settings throughout Cambridge, MA, ensuring high standards of food service and quality.


  6. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $42,500
    Sodexo partners with various organizations to deliver exceptional food services. Cooks in Cambridge, MA, can expect to engage in diverse cooking styles and menus across different sites.


  7. Beth Israel Lahey Health
    Average Salary: $41,950
    Beth Israel Lahey Health operates several hospitals and clinics within Cambridge, MA. Cooks here play an important role by preparing nutritious meals that cater to patients' dietary needs.


  8. Eurest
    Average Salary: $40,500
    Eurest serves dining solutions across various sectors. Cooks working for Eurest in Cambridge, MA, enjoy a collaborative and fast-paced kitchen, creating meals for large groups.


  9. Aramark
    Average Salary: $38,762
    Aramark delivers food services in many different environments. Cooks at Aramark in Cambridge, MA, focus on quality and creativity, preparing meals for schools, universities, and businesses.


  10. IHOP
    Average Salary: $36,000
    IHOP is famous for its breakfast offerings and welcoming atmosphere. Cooks at IHOP in Cambridge, MA, take pride in making classic meals and providing a positive dining experience for guests.

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