How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Florida
Cooks, Restaurants in Florida earn a median salary of $36,300/year, which is 1% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,188/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Florida
Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Florida
Meet education requirements
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many cooks, restaurant positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 134,480 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Naples-Marco Island and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford.
Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naples-Marco Island | $39K | $18.88/hr | 3,660 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $37K | $18.02/hr | 23,240 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $37K | $17.78/hr | 4,990 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $37K | $17.63/hr | 4,720 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $37K | $17.61/hr | 18,760 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $36K | $17.5/hr | 2,520 |
| Punta Gorda | $36K | $17.48/hr | 990 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $36K | $17.39/hr | 40,490 |
| Port St. Lucie | $36K | $17.32/hr | 2,440 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $36K | $17.25/hr | 910 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $36K | $17.22/hr | 3,050 |
| Wildwood-The Villages | $36K | $17.18/hr | 650 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $35K | $17.03/hr | 3,750 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $35K | $16.97/hr | 2,280 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $35K | $16.96/hr | 2,520 |
Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Florida
Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Florida?▼
The median cooks, restaurant salary in Florida is $36,300 per year ($17.45/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $28,570 to $44,980.
What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Florida?▼
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $36,300, a cooks, restaurant in Florida would take home approximately $2,600/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 54.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Florida are Naples-Marco Island ($39,270), Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ($37,480), North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota ($36,990). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means cooks, restaurants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.