Cooks, Short Order vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Who Earns More?
Cooks, Short Orders out-earn Waiters and Waitressess by $650 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Cooks, Short Orders land at $35,880 and Waiters and Waitressess at $35,230. The education gap is real: cooks, short order programs typically require no formal educational credential, while waiters and waitress programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Cooks, Short Orders is Arizona ($46,630); for Waiters and Waitressess it's Hawaii ($62,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Cooks, Short Order median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Cooks, Short Orders or Waiters and Waitressess?
Cooks, Short Orders earn more nationally. The median is $35,880 for Cooks, Short Orders versus $35,230 for Waiters and Waitressess, a difference of $650. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Cooks, Short Order or Waiters and Waitresses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Cooks, Short Order or Waiters and Waitresses?
Cooks, Short Order 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, Short Orders get paid the most?
Arizona is the top-paying state for Cooks, Short Orders at $46,630/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Cooks, Short Order vs. Waiters and Waitresses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Arizona, Cooks, Short Orders earn $46,630 vs. $43,950 for Waiters and Waitressess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.