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Food Service · Mississippi

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Mississippi

Cooks, Restaurants in Mississippi earn a median salary of $29,520/year, which is 20% below the national average. Mississippi has a state income tax of ~4.7%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $619/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$30K
Median salary in Mississippi
-20%
vs. national average
4.7%
State income tax
9,710
Employed in Mississippi

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Mississippi

Gross annual salary$29,520
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.7% state tax)$2,031/mo
Median 2BR rent (Mississippi)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home69.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$29,520/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$619/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Mississippi

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Mississippi licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Mississippi

Mississippi employs 9,710 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Gulfport-Biloxi and Jackson.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Mississippi

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Gulfport-Biloxi$30K$14.64/hr2,470
Jackson$30K$14.46/hr2,000
Hattiesburg$28K$13.6/hr610

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Mississippi

10th percentile (entry)
$21K
25th percentile
$25K
Median (50th)
$30K
75th percentile
$34K
90th percentile (senior)
$37K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Mississippi?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Mississippi is $29,520 per year ($14.19/hr). This is 20% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $21,200 to $36,990.

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

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

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Mississippi?

At the median salary of $29,520, a cooks, restaurant in Mississippi would take home approximately $2,031/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 69.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Mississippi are Gulfport-Biloxi ($30,440), Jackson ($30,080), Hattiesburg ($28,280). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Mississippi have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Mississippi has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.7%. On a $29,520 salary, this means roughly $1,387/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.