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Food Service · Indiana

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Indiana

Cooks, Restaurants in Indiana earn a median salary of $35,170/year, which is 6% below the national average. Indiana has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $767/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$35K
Median salary in Indiana
-6%
vs. national average
3.1%
State income tax
26,960
Employed in Indiana

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Indiana

Gross annual salary$35,170
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.1% state tax)$2,435/mo
Median 2BR rent (Indiana)-$1,668/mo
Rent as % of take-home68.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,170/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$767/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Indiana

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Indiana licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Indiana

Indiana employs 26,960 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood and Kokomo.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Indiana

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood$37K$17.6/hr9,180
Kokomo$35K$16.97/hr370
Bloomington$35K$16.78/hr930
Lafayette-West Lafayette$35K$16.76/hr930
South Bend-Mishawaka$35K$16.66/hr1,300
Fort Wayne$34K$16.58/hr2,030
Evansville$34K$16.49/hr1,330
Elkhart-Goshen$34K$16.23/hr640
Muncie$30K$14.45/hr460
Michigan City-La Porte$30K$14.36/hr490
Terre Haute$30K$14.34/hr600
Columbus$30K$14.3/hr360

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Indiana

10th percentile (entry)
$26K
25th percentile
$29K
Median (50th)
$35K
75th percentile
$38K
90th percentile (senior)
$44K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Indiana?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Indiana is $35,170 per year ($16.91/hr). This is 6% below the national median of $37,390. Salaries range from $26,000 to $44,190.

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

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

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Indiana?

At the median salary of $35,170, a cooks, restaurant in Indiana would take home approximately $2,435/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,668/month, that's 68.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Indiana are Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood ($36,610), Kokomo ($35,300), Bloomington ($34,910). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Indiana have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Indiana has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $35,170 salary, this means roughly $1,073/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.