SOC 2020 · 5435
Cooks
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | £18,067 |
| 25th | £20,334 |
| 50th | £24,228 |
| 75th | £27,831 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | £18,067 | £20,334 | £24,228 | £27,831 | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £24,202 | — | — |
| East Midlands 2025 | — | — | £22,698 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £24,151 | — | — |
| North East 2025 | — | — | £23,362 | — | — |
| North West |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Cooks prepare, season and cook food, often using pre-prepared ingredients, in clubs, private households, fast food outlets, shops selling food cooked on the premises and the catering departments and canteens of other establishments.
Typical tasks
requisitions or purchases foodstuffs and checks quality
plans meals, prepares, seasons and cooks foodstuffs
cooks and sells a range of meals, such as fish and chips, over the counter
plans and co-ordinates kitchen work such as fetching, clearing and cleaning of equipment and utensils
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements. Training is provided off and on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs in Food Preparation and Cooking are available at levels 1, 2 and 3. Apprenticeships are also available.