Cooks, Private Household vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Who Earns More?
Cooks, Private Household out-earn Waiters and Waitresses by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Cooks, Private Household land at $47,940 and Waiters and Waitresses at $35,230. The education gap is real: cooks, private household programs typically require no formal educational credential, while waiters and waitress programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Cooks, Private Household is New York ($37,440); for Waiters and Waitresses it's Hawaii ($62,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Cooks, Private Household median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Cooks, Private Household or Waiters and Waitresses?
Cooks, Private Household earn more nationally. The median is $47,940 for Cooks, Private Household versus $35,230 for Waiters and Waitresses, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Cooks, Private Household or Waiters and Waitresses?
Cooks, Private Household has the better 10-year outlook at 5.1% projected growth, compared to -0.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Cooks, Private Household or Waiters and Waitresses?
Cooks, Private Household typically requires no formal educational credential. Waiters and Waitresses requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Cooks, Private Household get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Cooks, Private Household at $37,440/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Cooks, Private Household vs. Waiters and Waitresses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Cooks, Private Household earn $37,440 vs. $47,020 for Waiters and Waitresses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.