How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Georgia
Cooks, Restaurants in Georgia earn a median salary of $35,090/year, which is 5% below the national average. Georgia has a state income tax of ~4.2%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $984/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Georgia
Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Georgia
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.
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.
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.
Find positions in Georgia
Georgia employs 49,320 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell and Savannah.
Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Georgia
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | $37K | $17.6/hr | 31,750 |
| Savannah | $35K | $17.05/hr | 2,720 |
| Gainesville | $35K | $16.84/hr | 800 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons | $32K | $15.57/hr | 800 |
| Athens-Clarke County | $31K | $14.9/hr | 1,070 |
| Warner Robins | $31K | $14.89/hr | 670 |
| Macon-Bibb County | $31K | $14.8/hr | 950 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $31K | $14.79/hr | 2,250 |
| Rome | $30K | $14.56/hr | 400 |
| Dalton | $30K | $14.48/hr | 400 |
| Albany | $30K | $14.44/hr | 470 |
| Columbus | $30K | $14.37/hr | 1,120 |
| Valdosta | $29K | $13.93/hr | 680 |
Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Georgia
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 $35,090 per year ($16.87/hr). This is 5% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $22,410 to $42,930.
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 $35,090, a cooks, restaurant in Georgia would take home approximately $2,396/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 58.9% 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 ($36,600), Savannah ($35,450), Gainesville ($35,020). 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 $35,090 salary, this means roughly $1,476/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.