Cooks, Restaurant in Indiana
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Indiana | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $35,040 | $36,830 | -4.9% vs US |
| State Rank | #39 of 54 states | ||
| Employment | 27,640 jobs | 1,452,130 jobs | 1.9% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $26,490 | $12.73 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,290 | $14.08 |
| Median | $35,040 | $16.85 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,910 | $17.74 |
| 90th Percentile | $42,620 | $20.49 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Cooks, Restaurant in Indiana in 2026?
With a median salary of $35,040 in Indiana and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +73.4%, cooks, restaurant are still in strong and growing demand.
How can cooks, restaurant increase their salary in Indiana?
Cooks, Restaurant in Indiana can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Indiana currently ranks #39 out of 54 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Cooks, Restaurant in Indiana?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Land Subdivision | $50,560 |
| Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction | $50,560 |
| Religious Organizations | $48,970 |
How are Cooks, Restaurant paid in Indiana compared to the national average?
The median salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Indiana is $35,040, which is 4.9% below the national median of $36,830.