Production Cook

As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum cash wage for tipped restaurant servers is $2.13 per hour as of 2026. Employers must ensure that tips combined with the cash wage equal at least $7.25 per hour for each workweek, paying any shortfall directly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual wages for waiters and waitresses range from $18,290 at the 10th percentile to $53,650 at the 90th percentile, with a median of $31,380 based on May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data applicable to 2026. The corresponding hourly medians are $8.79 to $25.79, with $15.09 median.

The H-2B nonimmigrant visa permits foreign workers to fill temporary restaurant jobs, subject to a statutory annual cap of 66,000 visas per fiscal year. Employers must first obtain DOL temporary labor certification, then file Form I-129 with USCIS, with petitions processed starting April 1 for FY2026 third quarter.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports no formal educational credential is needed for cooks or food and beverage servers, with 29% of restaurant cooks having less than high school education. Training consists of short-term on-the-job instruction under 1 month; no prior experience required for entry-level positions.