How much does a short order cook make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups this role under Cooks, Short Order (SOC 35-2015). In its May 2025 wage survey, the national median was $17.25 an hour, or about $35,880 a year for full-time work, across roughly 138,650 people employed nationally. The middle of the market sits between $11.27 at the 10th percentile and $22.34 at the 90th.
Short Order Cook pay in Boston
In the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area, the median for short order cooks was $19.04 an hour ($39,600a year), reflecting Massachusetts' higher minimum wage and cost of living.
What moves the number
Short order cook pay depends on the local market, whether the diner runs overnight or breakfast-heavy hours, and your speed and experience. Some roles include tips or tip pools, and cooks who can handle many stations or open and close alone often earn more. Smaller independent diners may pay differently from chains.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS figures for tipped roles may not capture all tip income. The BLS category is the closest official match for this role, not an exact one.
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