Cook Out pays its restaurant employees hourly rates that vary by position, experience and location. What are the set rates on how much staff get paid?
The chain operates across multiple US states, and pay can differ significantly between small towns and larger cities and depending on the specific Cook Out locations.
Hourly pay at Cook Out depends largely on the role, with kitchen staff and crew members earning base pay plus potential bonuses or incentives tied to performance and store success.
Cook Out Pay & Wage Overview by Role
Cook Out’s wages are in line with many other regional fast-food and quick-service restaurant pay scales, offering competitive rates for both part-time and full-time employees.
Cooks, shift leaders, and assistant managers generally earn more due to added responsibilities and hours.
Typical pay rates (as of mid-2025) at Cook Out range from approximately $10.50 to $22.10 per hour based on position and experience.
Most employees at Cook Out are paid hourly rather than salaried, and while benefits vary by location, full-time staff may be eligible for paid vacation or performance bonuses depending on the franchise.
Typical hourly wages by position include:
- Crew Members: $10.50-$13.75 per hour
- Cooks / Grill Operators: $12.25-$17.85 per hour
- Cashiers / Drive-Thru Staff: $10.25-$14 per hour
- Shift Leaders / Trainers: $14.75-$18.50 per hour
- Assistant Managers: $17.50-$22.10 per hour (often full-time with benefits)
- Store Managers: Annual salaries average $50,000-$64,000 (around $24-$31 per hour equivalent)
Across all Cook Out locations, the average hourly wage is around $13.95, while average annual pay across all positions is roughly $39,400, or about $20 per hour when averaged out among hourly and salaried employees.
Cook Out Pay Differences by City and Region
Cook Out pay rates tend to rise in more competitive job markets, with higher average wages found across major Southern and Mid-Atlantic cities such as Charlotte, Nashville and Raleigh.
- Charlotte, NC: $15–$21 per hour average across roles.
- Raleigh, NC: $14–$19 per hour average; managers often exceed $61,000 per year.
- Nashville, TN: $13–$18 per hour for most hourly roles; cooks can earn up to $20 per hour.
- Atlanta, GA: $12–$18 per hour average, with leadership positions around $22 per hour.
- Smaller towns in NC, SC, and VA: $11–$14 per hour average across most hourly roles.
Managerial roles at Cook Out’s busiest locations can surpass $60,000 in annual earnings, depending on tenure, store performance, and hours worked.
Across the United States, the general Cook Out hourly pay range sits between $12 and $20 for most team members, while managers can earn considerably more through incentives and overtime.
Tips and Bonuses at Cook Out
Unlike full-service restaurants, Cook Out does not have a traditional tipping model, as it is a quick-service establishment.
However, employees may occasionally receive small cash tips at drive-thru windows, though this is not standard or required.
Instead of tips, Cook Out offers various incentives or bonuses for high-performing employees, such as:
- Shift bonuses for extended or holiday hours
- Monthly or quarterly performance bonuses for store leaders and managers
- Overtime pay at time-and-a-half for hours beyond 40 per week
- Annual review raises or merit increases for consistent crew members
Team members working late-night or weekend hours sometimes receive higher hourly rates due to schedule differentials implemented by certain franchise operators.
While Cook Out does not use tip sharing like casual dining restaurants, its bonus opportunities and performance-based pay adjustments help employees increase total earnings beyond the standard hourly rate.