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Food Service · Florida

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Florida

Cooks, Restaurants in Florida earn a median salary of $37,020/year, which is 1% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,050/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$37K
Median salary in Florida
-1%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
124,040
Employed in Florida

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Florida

Gross annual salary$37,020
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,649/mo
Median 2BR rent (Florida)-$1,599/mo
Rent as % of take-home60.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$37,020/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,050/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Florida

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Find positions in Florida

Florida employs 124,040 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Naples-Marco Island and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Florida

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Naples-Marco Island$41K$19.82/hr3,650
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford$38K$18.26/hr19,960
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota$37K$18/hr4,780
Cape Coral-Fort Myers$37K$17.91/hr4,330
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater$37K$17.79/hr18,640
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach$37K$17.75/hr37,210
Jacksonville$37K$17.68/hr7,770
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville$37K$17.67/hr2,890
Punta Gorda$37K$17.66/hr990
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin$37K$17.6/hr2,400
Port St. Lucie$37K$17.57/hr2,240
Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor$36K$17.54/hr870
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach$36K$17.48/hr3,280
Wildwood-The Villages$36K$17.27/hr560
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent$36K$17.21/hr2,260

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Florida

10th percentile (entry)
$30K
25th percentile
$35K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$43K
90th percentile (senior)
$46K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Florida?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Florida is $37,020 per year ($17.8/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $37,390. Salaries range from $29,710 to $46,450.

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 $37,020, a cooks, restaurant in Florida would take home approximately $2,649/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,599/month, that's 60.4% 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 ($41,220), Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ($37,970), North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota ($37,440). 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.