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Cooks (Restaurant) Salary in Tennessee

Cooks (Restaurant) in Tennessee earn a median of $36,420 a year, −3% compared with the U.S. median.

Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers

Median pay
$36,420
vs. U.S. median
−3% ($37,390)
Rank among states
34 of 51
Jobs in the state
28,220

Pay range in Tennessee

The lowest-paid 10% earn under $27,910; the top 10% earn over $45,650. Nationally the range is $28,700 to $47,900.

States ranked near Tennessee

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Similar jobs in Tennessee

Cooks (Restaurant) pay in Tennessee

How much do cooks (restaurant) make in Tennessee?

The median is $36,420 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $27,910 and the top 10% earn over $45,650. BLS OEWS May 2025.

Is Tennessee a good state for cooks (restaurant)?

On pay alone it ranks 34 of 51 (−3% vs. the national median of $37,390). Living costs are not included.

Keep exploring

Sources. Pay and employment: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (national and state files). Pay is not adjusted for living costs. Data Sources & Licenses