Cooks Salary Guide UK — 2025
Complete breakdown based on ONS ASHE official data
The median cooks salary in the UK is £17,885 per year, based on the 2025 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) published by the Office for National Statistics. The mean salary is £18,252, reflecting the influence of higher earners on the average. The median hourly rate is £13.57.
Salaries vary significantly by region, from £17,717 in Wales to £20,553 in North East. However, these differences narrow when adjusted for regional cost of living.
UK Median
£17,885
Annual
UK Mean
£18,252
Annual
Hourly Rate
£13.57
Median
UK Jobs
39
Regional Salary Breakdown
The "Adjusted" column shows purchasing power after accounting for regional cost of living (UK average = 100).
| Region | Median | Mean | CoL Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| North East | £20,553 | £19,856 | £22,811 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £19,373 | £19,224 | £21,407 |
| Scotland | £18,535 | £18,299 | £20,081 |
| Wales | £17,717 | £18,343 | £19,686 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cooks salary in the UK?
The median cooks salary in the UK is £17,885 per year (ONS ASHE 2025). The mean salary is £18,252, which is higher due to top earners.
Which region pays cooks the most?
North East pays the highest cooks salaries with a median of £20,553.
How does cooks pay vary by region?
Cooks salaries range from £17,717 in Wales to £20,553 in North East.
Are cooks salaries rising?
Year-on-year comparison data is not yet available.
What is the typical hourly rate for cooks?
The median hourly rate for cooks in the UK is £13.57 (ONS ASHE 2025).
About this data
All salary figures in this guide are from the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025. Cost-of-living adjustments use ONS Regional Price Parities. Read our methodology. View data sources.