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Food Service · New York

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in New York

Cooks, Restaurants in New York earn a median salary of $39,890/year, which is 8% above the national average. New York has a state income tax of ~4.0%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,297/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$40K
Median salary in New York
+8%
vs. national average
4.0%
State income tax
62,430
Employed in New York

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in New York

Gross annual salary$39,890
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.0% state tax)$2,709/mo
Median 2BR rent (New York)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home52.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$39,890/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,297/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in New York

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain New York licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in New York

New York employs 62,430 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in New York-Newark-Jersey City and Kingston.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in New York

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
New York-Newark-Jersey City$42K$20.18/hr62,890
Kingston$39K$18.83/hr630
Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh$39K$18.69/hr1,920
Albany-Schenectady-Troy$38K$18.41/hr2,940
Ithaca$38K$18.21/hr270
Syracuse$38K$18.19/hr1,660
Buffalo-Cheektowaga$38K$18.12/hr3,990
Utica-Rome$38K$18.08/hr840
Glens Falls$37K$17.89/hr440
Rochester$37K$17.75/hr3,220
Binghamton$37K$17.7/hr660
Elmira$37K$17.67/hr240
Watertown-Fort Drum$36K$17.54/hr340

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in New York

10th percentile (entry)
$34K
25th percentile
$36K
Median (50th)
$40K
75th percentile
$46K
90th percentile (senior)
$57K
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Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in New York?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in New York is $39,890 per year ($19.18/hr). This is 8% above the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $33,610 to $56,630.

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

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

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in New York?

At the median salary of $39,890, a cooks, restaurant in New York would take home approximately $2,709/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 52.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in New York?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in New York are New York-Newark-Jersey City ($41,980), Kingston ($39,170), Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh ($38,870). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does New York have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, New York has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.0%. On a $39,890 salary, this means roughly $1,589/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.