Cooks salary in the UK (2025/26)
ONS ASHE 2025
£17,885
£17,885
Mean salary
£18,252
How pay varies by region
North East is the highest-paying region for cooks at £20,553 — 15% above the UK median. West Midlands is lowest at £9,919. Use the table below for the full regional breakdown.
Salary by UK region
| Region | Median | Mean | vs UK median |
|---|---|---|---|
| North East | £20,553 | £19,856 | +15% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £19,373 | £19,224 | +8% |
| Scotland | £18,535 | £18,299 | +4% |
| Wales | £17,717 | £18,343 | -1% |
| South West | £16,112 | £16,371 | -10% |
| London | £14,663 | £15,312 | -18% |
| North West | £13,541 | £12,766 | -24% |
| South East | £12,143 | £13,650 | -32% |
| East Midlands | £11,942 | £12,165 | -33% |
| East of England | £10,599 | £12,731 | -41% |
| West Midlands | £9,919 | £11,799 | -45% |
North East
£20,553
Mean £19,856
Yorkshire and the Humber
£19,373
Mean £19,224
Scotland
£18,535
Mean £18,299
Wales
£17,717
Mean £18,343
South West
£16,112
Mean £16,371
London
£14,663
Mean £15,312
North West
£13,541
Mean £12,766
South East
£12,143
Mean £13,650
East Midlands
£11,942
Mean £12,165
East of England
£10,599
Mean £12,731
West Midlands
£9,919
Mean £11,799
Sorted highest median to lowest. ‘Vs UK median’ compares each region’s median to £17,885. Suppressed values mean ONS withheld this figure because the sample was too small to publish.
Related roles in Food Preparation and Hospitality Trades
Other published roles in this occupation group. View category overview →