Cooks, Restaurant in New Jersey
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | New Jersey | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,080 | $36,830 | +3.4% vs US |
| State Rank | #14 of 54 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 30,720 jobs | 1,452,130 jobs | 2.1% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31,470 | $15.13 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,610 | $17.60 |
| Median | $38,080 | $18.31 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,750 | $21.99 |
| 90th Percentile | $49,010 | $23.56 |
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Cooks, Restaurant in New Jersey in 2026?
With a median salary of $38,080 in New Jersey and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +38.4%, cooks, restaurant are still in strong and growing demand.
How can cooks, restaurant increase their salary in New Jersey?
Cooks, Restaurant in New Jersey 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: New Jersey currently ranks #14 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 New Jersey?
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 New Jersey compared to the national average?
The median salary for Cooks, Restaurant in New Jersey is $38,080, which is 3.4% above the national median of $36,830.