Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · Massachusetts

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Massachusetts

Cooks, Restaurants in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $46,280/year, which is 26% above the national average. Massachusetts has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,664/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$46K
Median salary in Massachusetts
+26%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
31,640
Employed in Massachusetts

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Massachusetts

Gross annual salary$46,280
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$3,076/mo
Median 2BR rent (Massachusetts)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home45.9% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$46,280/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,664/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Massachusetts

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Massachusetts licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Massachusetts

Massachusetts employs 31,640 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Barnstable Town.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Massachusetts

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Boston-Cambridge-Newton$47K$22.58/hr24,410
Barnstable Town$46K$22.08/hr1,890
Worcester$44K$21.21/hr2,560
Springfield$44K$20.94/hr1,390
Amherst Town-Northampton$43K$20.89/hr630
Pittsfield$43K$20.52/hr690

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Massachusetts

10th percentile (entry)
$35K
25th percentile
$38K
Median (50th)
$46K
75th percentile
$49K
90th percentile (senior)
$58K
View jobs for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in Massachusetts
View →
More openings for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in Massachusetts
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full cooks, restaurant salary breakdown in Massachusetts
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Massachusetts
After federal + 5.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Massachusetts is $46,280 per year ($22.25/hr). This is 26% above the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $34,910 to $57,510.

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

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

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Massachusetts?

At the median salary of $46,280, a cooks, restaurant in Massachusetts would take home approximately $3,076/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 45.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Massachusetts are Boston-Cambridge-Newton ($46,970), Barnstable Town ($45,920), Worcester ($44,110). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Massachusetts have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Massachusetts has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $46,280 salary, this means roughly $2,314/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.