How much does a cook make in Tennessee?
$36,440a year
Median yearly pay for cooks in Tennessee. That is $17.52 an hour or $3,037 a month.
- Hourly
- $17.52
- Vs. national median
- -3%
- Rank among states
- 21 of 33
- Jobs in the state
- 2,060
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $22,030Median: $36,440Highest 10%: $38,950
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $22,030 | $10.59 | |
| 25th | $29,120 | $14.00 | |
| Median | $36,440 | $17.52 | |
| 75th | $38,950 | $18.73 | |
| 90th | $38,950 | $18.73 |
Cities in Tennessee
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Memphis, TN | $38,950 |
| Chattanooga, TN | $35,990 |
| Knoxville, TN | $35,120 |
| Clarksville, TN | $34,820 |
| Nashville, TN | $33,220 |
| Cleveland, TN | $20,420 |
Nearby in the ranking
States with similar pay for cooks.
| 18. Connecticut | $37,190 |
| 19. Michigan | $37,110 |
| 20. Minnesota | $36,850 |
| 21. Tennessee | $36,440 |
| 22. Pennsylvania | $36,220 |
| 23. Illinois | $35,940 |
| 24. Virginia | $35,810 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cook make an hour in Tennessee?
The median hourly pay in Tennessee is $17.52 ($36,440 a year).
Do cooks make more in Tennessee than the national average?
No: $36,440 against $37,690 nationally, 3% less.
Where does Tennessee rank for cook pay?
Tennessee ranks 21 of 33 states.
Which city in Tennessee pays cooks the most?
Memphis, TN-MS-AR, with a median of $38,950 a year.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.