Cook Salary in Tampa, FL

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
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City
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How much does a Cook make in Tampa, FL?

The average salary for a Cook is $34,317 per year in Tampa, FL.

A Cook in Tampa, FL, earns an average yearly salary of about $34,317. This salary can vary based on experience, skills, and the specific type of cooking position. Most entry-level cooks can expect to start around $26,000, while more experienced cooks can earn upwards of $44,500. The job market offers a good range of salaries, helping you to progress as you gain more skills and take on new responsibilities.


The salary distribution shows that as you move up in experience, your earning potential increases. If you are dedicated to your craft and look for opportunities to grow, you can achieve a satisfying income as a Cook in this vibrant city.

View Cook Jobs in Tampa, FL

What are the highest paying cities for Cook near Tampa, FL?

Apollo Beach, FL stands out as the highest paying city for Cook jobs near Tampa, with an average salary of $41,000. Following closely are Lutz and Oldsmar, where cooks earn about $37,026 and $36,905 respectively. These cities offer great opportunities for job seekers looking to advance their culinary careers while enjoying a vibrant Florida lifestyle.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Tampa, FL, highlighting Apollo Beach, FL with the highest at $41,000 and Wesley Chapel, FL with the lowest at $32,327.
  1. Apollo Beach, FL
    Average Salary: $41,000
    Working in the food scene of Apollo Beach offers a mix of coastal flavors and community vibes. Local restaurants often look for talented kitchen staff to help create fresh seafood dishes and hearty meals that residents love.
    Find Cook jobs in Apollo Beach, FL


  2. Lutz, FL
    Average Salary: $37,026
    Lutz features a growing dining scene with various restaurants that appreciate culinary talent. Cooks here can enjoy a range of cuisine styles, from casual family meals to upscale dining experiences in vibrant neighborhoods.
    Find Cook jobs in Lutz, FL


  3. Oldsmar, FL
    Average Salary: $36,905
    Oldsmar presents unique opportunities for cooks in family-friendly eateries and local bistros. Many establishments focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, allowing culinary professionals to showcase their skills and creativity.
    Find Cook jobs in Oldsmar, FL


  4. Brandon, FL
    Average Salary: $34,092
    Brandon's diverse dining options provide cooks with a platform to experiment with different cuisines. Many popular chain restaurants and local eateries thrive in this bustling community, creating a steady demand for kitchen staff.
    Find Cook jobs in Brandon, FL


  5. Sun City Center, FL
    Average Salary: $33,207
    In Sun City Center, cooks often serve a vibrant retired community, focusing on healthy, flavorful meals. Local dining spots appreciate staff who understand dietary needs and can bring a personal touch to every dish.
    Find Cook jobs in Sun City Center, FL


  6. Riverview, FL
    Average Salary: $33,181
    Riverview's expanding culinary landscape offers a variety of restaurants from pizzerias to steakhouses. Cooks can find dynamic environments where they can grow professionally while serving delightful meals to families.
    Find Cook jobs in Riverview, FL


  7. Safety Harbor, FL
    Average Salary: $33,035
    Safety Harbor welcomes culinary professionals to its charming eateries and cafés. Cooks here enjoy the supportive community atmosphere while preparing fresh, quality meals for locals and visitors alike.
    Find Cook jobs in Safety Harbor, FL


  8. Wimauma, FL
    Average Salary: $32,700
    Wimauma's agricultural roots influence its local cuisine, giving cooks a chance to craft dishes using fresh produce. Many restaurants value creativity in their kitchen staff, making it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Cook jobs in Wimauma, FL


  9. Saint Petersburg, FL
    Average Salary: $32,679
    St. Petersburg's vibrant food scene thrives on creativity and diversity. Cooks can work in everything from trendy food trucks to upscale restaurants, showcasing their skills in a city known for its cultural richness.
    Find Cook jobs in Saint Petersburg, FL


  10. Wesley Chapel, FL
    Average Salary: $32,327
    Wesley Chapel is home to an array of dining options, from casual diners to fine dining establishments. Cooks benefit from a supportive restaurant community and have opportunities to grow their culinary careers.
    Find Cook jobs in Wesley Chapel, FL

What are the best paying companies for Cook in Tampa, FL?

In Tampa, FL, several companies offer competitive salaries for Cook positions. First Watch leads the way with an average salary of $44,000, followed closely by the US Department of Veterans Affairs at $42,935. Other notable employers include Three Oaks Hospitality and True Food Kitchen, providing solid pay and opportunities in the culinary field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Tampa, FL, highlighting First Watch with the highest at $44,000 and MCR Hotels with the lowest at $37,333.
  1. First Watch
    Average Salary: $44,000
    First Watch offers a fun and vibrant work environment for cooks. They operate several locations throughout Tampa, focusing on breakfast and lunch. Cooks at First Watch prepare fresh ingredients daily, creating delicious meals for guests.


  2. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $42,935
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides cooking roles in a supportive environment. Cooks work in various facilities serving veterans in Tampa, focusing on nutrition and quality meals tailored to individual needs.


  3. Three Oaks Hospitality
    Average Salary: $40,667
    Three Oaks Hospitality runs multiple dining operations in Tampa. Cooks here enjoy a creative kitchen atmosphere, preparing diverse menus that highlight local flavors and ingredients.


  4. True Food Kitchen
    Average Salary: $40,600
    True Food Kitchen focuses on healthy and sustainable food options. Cooks in their Tampa locations create fresh, wholesome dishes, participating in a mission to inspire healthy eating habits.


  5. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $39,500
    Marriott International employs cooks across their hotels in Tampa. These positions offer a chance to work in a high-energy environment, preparing meals for diverse dining options, including room service and restaurants.


  6. Miller's Ale House
    Average Salary: $38,438
    Miller's Ale House features a lively atmosphere where cooks create a wide range of dishes. Cooks in their Tampa locations focus on both speed and quality, serving guests in a fast-paced environment.


  7. Air Culinaire Worldwide
    Average Salary: $38,000
    Air Culinaire Worldwide specializes in gourmet in-flight catering. Cooks in Tampa prepare meals for private jets and airlines, ensuring high standards and attention to detail in every dish.


  8. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $37,932
    Sodexo operates in various sectors, providing catering services in Tampa. Cooks work in schools, hospitals, and corporate dining facilities, focusing on balanced, nutritious meals for diverse audiences.


  9. Eurest
    Average Salary: $37,833
    Eurest provides food services in corporate environments. Cooks in Tampa work in a professional setting, preparing meals that cater to business lunches and employee dining options.


  10. MCR Hotels
    Average Salary: $37,333
    MCR Hotels offers cooks the chance to work in popular hotel kitchens. Cooks in their Tampa locations prepare a variety of dishes for hotel guests, from breakfast to elegant dinners.

There are 18,748 Cook job openings nationwide!

How's the job market for a Cook in the US?

Learn what a Cook does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Cook today.
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Cook
18,748 Job Openings
Understanding the Cook Role & How to Become One | ReadySetHire