Production Cook

As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees such as restaurant servers is $2.13 per hour, with tips required to bring total earnings to at least $7.25 per hour as of January 1, 2026. Employers must make up the difference if tips plus cash wage fall below $7.25 per hour. Overtime is 1.5 times the full minimum wage for hours over 40 per week.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for cooks in restaurants is $37,200 as projected for 2026 based on May 2023 data adjusted for inflation. Entry-level cooks earn $28,500 annually, while experienced ones reach $47,800. These figures apply to full-time positions nationwide.

As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, foreign nationals need an H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural restaurant jobs, with a statutory cap of 66,000 visas per fiscal year starting October 1, 2025 for FY2026. Employers must file Form I-129 at least 75 days before the start date and obtain a temporary labor certification from DOL. Supplemental caps may add up to 64,716 visas if authorized.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no formal education is required for entry-level restaurant servers; most receive short-term on-the-job training lasting 1 month or less. A high school diploma is preferred but not mandatory for 40% of positions. Prior customer service experience increases hiring chances by 25%.