Career

Burrito Cook Salary 2024

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a Burrito Cook, including salary, schools, and programs.

Burrito Cook Salary

Annual Median: $29,260
Hourly Median: $14.07

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Annual and Hourly Burrito Cook U.S. Salary Table:

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
PercentileAnnual SalaryHourly Wage
10th$21,800$10.48
25th$24,960$12
Median$29,260$14.07
75th$34,320$16.5
90th$36,510$17.56

Burrito Cook Salary Overview (2024)

As a Burrito Cook, you will play a key role in the food service industry, specializing in the preparation of one of America’s favorite dishes. This position involves not just cooking but also crafting a variety of burritos that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The popularity of burritos across various eateries, from food trucks to upscale restaurants, ensures that skilled cooks are always in demand.

Salary is an important consideration for many who are entering or looking to advance in this field for several reasons:

  • Financial Stability: Understanding potential earnings helps in planning for your livelihood, especially in an industry where pay can vary based on location and establishment type.
  • Career Advancement: With knowledge of salary trends, you can set realistic goals for your career progression and negotiate better pay as you gain experience.
  • Industry Trends: Awareness of salary ranges can provide insight into the market demand for certain skills or specializations within the culinary field.

Career.Guide provides the latest salary information for Burrito Cooks, sourced directly from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. This resource ensures you have access to accurate and up-to-date information to support your career decisions.

Best Schools to become a Burrito Cook in U.S. 2024

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder

Boulder, CO

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:46%
Total Enrollment:8,894

NUC University

Bayamon, PR

In-State Tuition:$6,448
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,160
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:63%
Total Enrollment:26,720

Institute of Culinary Education

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:25%
Total Enrollment:676

Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, NY

In-State Tuition:$33,850
Out-of-State Tuition:$33,850
Admission Rate:95%
Graduation Rate:71%
Total Enrollment:3,124

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI

In-State Tuition:$37,896
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,896
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:59%
Total Enrollment:4,566

Valencia College

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,984
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,933
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:43,370

How Experience Affects Burrito Cook Salary (2024)

As a Burrito Cook, your salary can vary significantly based on your level of experience in the culinary field. Typically, experience not only influences your earnings but also your responsibilities and opportunities for advancement. Here’s how experience levels generally break down:

  • Entry-Level Burrito Cook

    • At this stage, you are just starting your culinary journey.
    • Your primary focus is on mastering fundamental cooking techniques, ingredient handling, and basic food safety standards.
    • Entry-level positions often involve working under the supervision of more experienced cooks, which can provide valuable on-the-job training.
    • Due to limited experience, entry-level salaries are generally lower, but there's ample opportunity for growth as you gain skills and confidence.
  • Mid-Level Burrito Cook

    • With some experience, you have developed a stronger understanding of kitchen operations.
    • At this level, you are likely to work more independently, preparing menu items with increased complexity and flair.
    • You may also begin taking on additional responsibilities, such as mentoring entry-level staff or assisting in inventory management.
    • As your skills and contributions to the kitchen increase, so does your earning potential, reflecting your ability to drive efficiency and quality in the food preparation process.
  • Senior Burrito Cook

    • As a senior Burrito Cook, you possess extensive knowledge of various cooking techniques and food preparation methods.
    • You may lead a team, oversee kitchen operations, and contribute to menu development.
    • Your role may involve training new staff, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
    • Senior-level positions are often recognized with significantly higher salaries, reflecting your experience, leadership role, and expertise in the culinary arts.

Overall, the trajectory of your salary as a Burrito Cook can improve as you gain experience, develop skills, and take on more responsibilities within the kitchen environment.

Burrito Cook Salary By Industry (2024)

As a Burrito Cook, your salary can vary significantly based on the industry or sector in which you are employed. Here are several key areas to consider:

  • Fast Casual Dining

    • Typically, this industry offers competitive wages as it emphasizes quality and customer experience. Burrito Cooks in fast casual settings often benefit from higher sales volumes and a focus on sustainable ingredients, which can enhance profitability and, in turn, potentially increase salaries.
  • Full-Service Restaurants

    • In full-service dining establishments, Burrito Cooks may find opportunities for higher wages due to the additional responsibilities that come with cooking for a more extensive menu. This sector often includes tips and service charges, contributing to overall earnings.
  • Food Trucks and Mobile Catering

    • Working in a food truck or mobile catering business can lead to varying pay scales. Although overhead costs might be lower, revenue can fluctuate based on location and time of year. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to customer preferences are essential in this segment.
  • Institutional Catering

    • Burrito Cooks in institutional settings, such as schools, hospitals, or corporate cafeterias, may encounter different salary structures. These positions often emphasize volume and consistency, which can stabilize income but might offer fewer opportunities for pay increases compared to more dynamic dining environments.
  • Grocery Stores and Supermarkets

    • Many grocery stores have deli sections that may prepare burritos. Salaries in this sector tend to focus on the volume of food production and are often aligned with retail pay scales, which can be lower than those in restaurant environments.
  • Chain Restaurants

    • Working for a national chain that specializes in burritos and similar cuisines can provide a more structured pay scale. Chains often have standardized training and operational procedures, which can lead to stable salaries along with benefits that might not be available in smaller establishments.
  • Catering Services

    • In the catering industry, salary can be affected by the scale of events catered and the specific clientele served. Higher-end catering often allows for increased earnings due to the demand for quality food and service during special events.

Your earning potential as a Burrito Cook can greatly depend on the sector in which you choose to work. Each industry comes with its own benefits and challenges, and understanding these nuances can help you make informed career decisions.

Factors That Affect Burrito Cook Salary (2024)

  • Education: While formal education is not typically a requirement for burrito cooks, having a high school diploma or equivalent can be beneficial. Additionally, culinary schools and programs that provide specialized training can enhance your skill set and may positively influence salary potential.

  • Certifications: Obtaining relevant certifications, such as food safety and sanitation (e.g., ServSafe), may improve your employability and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in food handling. Some employers may look favorably upon candidates with recognized culinary certifications, impacting salary levels.

  • Specialized Skills: The ability to create unique burrito recipes, mastery of various cooking techniques, or knowledge of nutritional information can set you apart from other candidates. Skills in customer service, food presentation, and kitchen management can also enhance your value to employers and potentially lead to higher wages.

  • Experience: The level of experience you possess in the food industry, and specifically as a burrito cook, plays a significant role in determining your salary. Those with extensive experience are often better positioned to negotiate their pay compared to those new to the field.

  • Company Size: The size and type of establishment you work for can greatly influence your salary. Larger restaurants or chains may have more resources and therefore offer higher pay and better benefits compared to smaller, independent establishments. Fast-casual dining environments, known for their specialized menus, may also provide competitive salaries.

  • Geographic Location: Your salary can be significantly impacted by the cost of living in your specific region. Urban areas or regions where the demand for culinary professionals is high often offer higher salary ranges.

  • Work Shift and Hours: Positions that require late-night or weekend shifts may offer higher pay to compensate for less desirable hours. Flexibility and willingness to work varied shifts can also play a role in advancing your career and potential salary.

Burrito Cook Salary Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What factors influence my salary as a Burrito Cook?
    Your salary can be influenced by several factors, including your location, level of experience, the type of establishment you work for, and your specific skill set. Larger cities may offer higher pay due to a higher cost of living, while experience and proficiency in preparing various ingredients can lead to increased earnings.

  • Do Burrito Cooks receive tips?
    Typically, tips are less common for cooks compared to front-of-house staff. However, if you work in a fast-casual or higher-end restaurant where tips are pooled, you may receive a share of the tips from customers.

  • What is the career growth potential for a Burrito Cook?
    As you gain experience in the kitchen, you may have opportunities to advance to roles such as kitchen supervisor, head chef, or restaurant manager. Additional education or culinary training can further enhance your career prospects.

  • Are there any benefits associated with being a Burrito Cook?
    Benefits can vary by employer, but many restaurants offer health insurance, paid time off, and employee discounts as part of their compensation package. It's advisable to inquire about benefits during the hiring process.

  • How can I increase my salary as a Burrito Cook?
    To potentially increase your salary, consider enhancing your culinary skills through training or certification programs, gaining experience in a variety of cooking techniques, and seeking opportunities for advancement within your organization.

  • What is the average work schedule for a Burrito Cook?
    A typical work schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, as these are peak times for many restaurants. Flexibility may be required, and shifts can vary based on the establishment’s hours of operation.

  • Is culinary training necessary to become a Burrito Cook?
    While formal culinary training is not mandatory, it can be beneficial. Many employers value hands-on experience and skills, so on-the-job training and a passion for cooking can still lead to a successful career.

  • What skills are important for a Burrito Cook?
    Essential skills include knife skills, knowledge of various cooking techniques, food safety practices, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. Strong teamwork and communication skills are also important for maintaining a smooth kitchen operation.