Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · Georgia

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Georgia

Cooks, Restaurants in Georgia earn a median salary of $35,940/year, which is 4% below the national average. Georgia has a state income tax of ~4.2%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $945/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$36K
Median salary in Georgia
-4%
vs. national average
4.2%
State income tax
46,350
Employed in Georgia

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Georgia

Gross annual salary$35,940
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.2% state tax)$2,450/mo
Median 2BR rent (Georgia)-$1,505/mo
Rent as % of take-home61.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,940/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$945/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Georgia

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Georgia typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Georgia. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, restaurant positions in Georgia require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Georgia licensure or certification

Georgia may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state, contact the Georgia Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Georgia

Georgia employs 46,350 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell and Savannah.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Georgia

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell$37K$17.9/hr29,040
Savannah$36K$17.28/hr2,570
Gainesville$35K$16.97/hr700
Brunswick-St. Simons$34K$16.58/hr760
Augusta-Richmond County$34K$16.34/hr2,200
Rome$34K$16.16/hr400
Athens-Clarke County$34K$16.12/hr1,120
Warner Robins$32K$15.47/hr780
Macon-Bibb County$32K$15.22/hr970
Dalton$31K$14.94/hr410
Columbus$30K$14.65/hr1,130
Valdosta$30K$14.36/hr680
Albany$29K$14.01/hr470

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Georgia

10th percentile (entry)
$24K
25th percentile
$29K
Median (50th)
$36K
75th percentile
$38K
90th percentile (senior)
$43K
View jobs for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in Georgia
View →
More openings for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in Georgia
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full cooks, restaurant salary breakdown in Georgia
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Georgia
After federal + 4.2% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Georgia cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Georgia?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Georgia is $35,940 per year ($17.28/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $37,390. Salaries range from $24,160 to $43,210.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Georgia?

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Georgia typically require No formal educational credential. Georgia may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Georgia licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Georgia?

At the median salary of $35,940, a cooks, restaurant in Georgia would take home approximately $2,450/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,505/month, that's 61.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Georgia?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Georgia are Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell ($37,230), Savannah ($35,940), Gainesville ($35,310). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Georgia have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Georgia has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.2%. On a $35,940 salary, this means roughly $1,522/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.