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Food Service · Minnesota

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Minnesota

Cooks, Restaurants in Minnesota earn a median salary of $38,220/year, which is 4% above the national average. Minnesota has a state income tax of ~3.3%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,212/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$38K
Median salary in Minnesota
+4%
vs. national average
3.3%
State income tax
26,900
Employed in Minnesota

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Minnesota

Gross annual salary$38,220
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.3% state tax)$2,624/mo
Median 2BR rent (Minnesota)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home53.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$38,220/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,212/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Minnesota

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Minnesota licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Minnesota

Minnesota employs 26,900 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington and Rochester.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Minnesota

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington$40K$19.09/hr18,230
Rochester$38K$18.23/hr1,130
Mankato$37K$17.63/hr560
Duluth$36K$17.4/hr1,520
St. Cloud$36K$17.39/hr840

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Minnesota

10th percentile (entry)
$30K
25th percentile
$36K
Median (50th)
$38K
75th percentile
$46K
90th percentile (senior)
$47K
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Full cooks, restaurant salary breakdown in Minnesota
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Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Minnesota?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Minnesota is $38,220 per year ($18.38/hr). This is 4% above the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $30,340 to $47,320.

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

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

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Minnesota?

At the median salary of $38,220, a cooks, restaurant in Minnesota would take home approximately $2,624/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 53.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Minnesota are Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington ($39,710), Rochester ($37,920), Mankato ($36,670). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Minnesota have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Minnesota has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.3%. On a $38,220 salary, this means roughly $1,265/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.