Are you considering a career as a cook at IHOP, one of the most popular breakfast chains in the world? If so, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. The pay for IHOP cooks can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, experience, and the specific job title. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the average salary for IHOP cooks and explore some of the factors that can impact your earnings.
Understanding the IHOP Pay Structure
IHOP, like many other restaurants, uses a tiered pay structure to compensate its cooks. This means that cooks with more experience and seniority tend to earn higher wages than those who are just starting out. Here’s a general breakdown of the IHOP pay structure for cooks:
Entry-Level Cooks
Entry-level cooks at IHOP typically start out at around $8-10 per hour. These cooks are usually new to the industry and are still learning the ropes. They may work in a variety of roles, including prep cook, line cook, and dishwasher.
Experienced Cooks
Experienced cooks at IHOP can earn significantly more than entry-level cooks. On average, experienced cooks can earn between $12-15 per hour. These cooks have typically been with the company for several years and have developed a high level of skill and expertise.
Senior Cooks
Senior cooks at IHOP are typically the most experienced and skilled cooks in the kitchen. They can earn upwards of $18-20 per hour and may be responsible for leading teams of cooks and overseeing kitchen operations.
Factors That Impact IHOP Cook Salaries
While the pay structure at IHOP provides a general idea of what cooks can expect to earn, there are a number of factors that can impact salaries. Here are some of the most significant factors:
Location
The location of the IHOP restaurant can have a significant impact on cook salaries. Restaurants located in urban areas or areas with a high cost of living tend to pay more than those located in rural areas. For example, a cook at an IHOP in New York City may earn significantly more than a cook at an IHOP in a small town in the Midwest.
Experience
Experience is a major factor in determining cook salaries at IHOP. Cooks with more experience tend to earn higher wages than those who are just starting out. This is because experienced cooks have developed a high level of skill and expertise, and are often more efficient and productive in the kitchen.
Job Title
The specific job title can also impact cook salaries at IHOP. For example, a prep cook may earn less than a line cook, who may earn less than a senior cook. Here’s a rough breakdown of the average salaries for different cook positions at IHOP:
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| — | — |
| Prep Cook | $9-11 per hour |
| Line Cook | $11-14 per hour |
| Senior Cook | $16-20 per hour |
Shift Differentials
IHOP cooks may also earn shift differentials, which are additional payments for working certain shifts. For example, cooks who work overnight shifts or on weekends may earn a shift differential of $1-2 per hour.
Benefits and Perks
In addition to their hourly wages, IHOP cooks may also be eligible for a range of benefits and perks. Here are some of the most common benefits and perks offered to IHOP cooks:
Health Insurance
IHOP offers health insurance to its cooks, which can help to cover the cost of medical expenses.
401(k) Matching
IHOP also offers 401(k) matching, which can help cooks to save for retirement.
Meal Discounts
IHOP cooks may be eligible for meal discounts, which can help to reduce the cost of eating at the restaurant.
Uniforms and Equipment
IHOP provides its cooks with uniforms and equipment, which can help to reduce the cost of working at the restaurant.
Conclusion
The salary for IHOP cooks can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, experience, and job title. On average, IHOP cooks can earn between $8-20 per hour, although some cooks may earn more or less than this range. In addition to their hourly wages, IHOP cooks may also be eligible for a range of benefits and perks, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, meal discounts, and uniforms and equipment. If you’re considering a career as a cook at IHOP, it’s essential to research the average salary for your location and job title, and to factor in the benefits and perks that are available to you.
How to Increase Your Earnings as an IHOP Cook
If you’re looking to increase your earnings as an IHOP cook, here are some tips:
Gain Experience
The more experience you have, the higher your earning potential will be. Try to gain as much experience as possible by working in different roles and taking on additional responsibilities.
Develop Your Skills
Developing your skills can help you to become more efficient and productive in the kitchen, which can lead to higher earnings. Consider taking courses or attending workshops to improve your cooking skills.
Ask for a Raise
If you feel that you’re not earning enough, don’t be afraid to ask for a raise. Make a list of your achievements and contributions to the restaurant, and present them to your manager.
Look for Opportunities to Advance
If you’re looking to increase your earnings, consider looking for opportunities to advance within the company. This could include moving into a senior cook role or taking on additional responsibilities.
By following these tips, you can increase your earnings as an IHOP cook and achieve your career goals.
How much do IHOP cooks make per hour?
IHOP cooks’ hourly wages vary depending on the location, experience, and time of day. On average, an IHOP cook can make around $8 to $12 per hour. However, some locations may pay more or less, and experienced cooks may earn higher wages.
It’s also worth noting that IHOP cooks may have opportunities to earn more during peak hours or by working overtime. Additionally, some locations may offer benefits, such as health insurance or meal discounts, which can impact the overall compensation package.
Do IHOP cooks make tips?
IHOP cooks do not typically receive tips directly from customers, as they are not servers or bartenders. However, some IHOP locations may have a tip-sharing policy, where a portion of the tips received by servers and bartenders is shared with kitchen staff, including cooks.
In these cases, IHOP cooks may receive a small portion of the tips, usually around 10% to 15% of the total tips received. However, this is not a standard practice across all IHOP locations, and cooks should not rely on tips as a significant portion of their income.
How much do IHOP cooks make per year?
The annual salary of an IHOP cook can vary widely depending on the location, experience, and number of hours worked. On average, an IHOP cook can make around $16,000 to $25,000 per year, assuming a 40-hour workweek and an hourly wage of $8 to $12.
However, experienced cooks or those working in high-volume locations may earn higher annual salaries, potentially up to $30,000 or more. Additionally, cooks who work overtime or pick up extra shifts may also increase their annual earnings.
Do IHOP cooks get benefits?
Some IHOP locations may offer benefits to their cooks, including health insurance, meal discounts, and paid time off. However, these benefits are not standard across all locations, and cooks should not assume they will receive benefits without verifying with their employer.
In general, IHOP cooks are considered hourly employees and may not be eligible for the same benefits as salaried employees. However, some locations may offer benefits as a way to attract and retain top talent, so it’s worth inquiring about benefits during the hiring process.
How much experience do you need to be an IHOP cook?
IHOP typically requires its cooks to have some experience working in a kitchen environment, but the exact amount of experience required can vary. Some locations may hire cooks with little to no experience and provide on-the-job training, while others may require more extensive experience.
In general, having 1-2 years of experience working in a kitchen can be beneficial for IHOP cooks, as it demonstrates a basic understanding of kitchen operations and food preparation techniques. However, IHOP also provides training and support to help new cooks develop their skills.
Can IHOP cooks advance to higher positions?
Yes, IHOP cooks can advance to higher positions within the company, such as shift leader, kitchen manager, or even restaurant manager. With experience and additional training, cooks can develop the skills and knowledge needed to take on more responsibility and move up the career ladder.
IHOP also offers training programs and development opportunities to help cooks advance their careers. For example, the company’s “IHOP University” program provides training and certification for cooks and other employees looking to advance their careers.
Is being an IHOP cook a good career choice?
Being an IHOP cook can be a good career choice for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced kitchen environment and are passionate about food preparation. IHOP cooks have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive team environment and can develop valuable skills and experience that can be applied to future careers.
However, the job can also be physically demanding and may require working irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Additionally, the pay may not be as high as other careers, and benefits may not be standard across all locations. Ultimately, whether being an IHOP cook is a good career choice depends on individual circumstances and priorities.