Cooks Pay Data UK — 2024

Cooks roles in the UK earn a median of £16,288 per year, equivalent to £12.44 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 10.8% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £13,960 to £24,728 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Cooks roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Cooks

Cooks prepare, season and cook food, often using pre-prepared ingredients, in clubs, private households, fast food outlets, shops selling food cooked on the premises and the catering departments and canteens of other establishments.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• requisitions or purchases foodstuffs and checks quality
• plans meals, prepares, seasons and cooks foodstuffs
• cooks and sells a range of meals, such as fish and chips, over the counter
• plans and co-ordinates kitchen work such as fetching, clearing and cleaning of equipment and utensils

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no formal academic requirements. Training is provided off and on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs in Food Preparation and Cooking are available at levels 1, 2 and 3. Apprenticeships are also available.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.