Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · Ohio

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Ohio

Cooks, Restaurants in Ohio earn a median salary of $35,540/year, which is 5% below the national average. Ohio has a state income tax of ~0.7%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,388/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$36K
Median salary in Ohio
-5%
vs. national average
0.7%
State income tax
46,910
Employed in Ohio

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Ohio

Gross annual salary$35,540
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 0.7% state tax)$2,528/mo
Median 2BR rent (Ohio)-$1,140/mo
Rent as % of take-home45.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,540/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,388/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Ohio

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Ohio licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Ohio

Ohio employs 46,910 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Cleveland and Columbus.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Ohio

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Cleveland$37K$17.82/hr8,190
Columbus$37K$17.59/hr8,600
Cincinnati$36K$17.32/hr10,810
Akron$36K$17.32/hr2,820
Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek$36K$17.16/hr2,960
Canton-Massillon$36K$17.11/hr1,570
Toledo$36K$17.1/hr2,920
Sandusky$35K$16.95/hr910
Springfield$34K$16.58/hr320
Lima$34K$16.44/hr380
Youngstown-Warren$32K$15.46/hr1,600
Mansfield$31K$15.05/hr480

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Ohio

10th percentile (entry)
$28K
25th percentile
$30K
Median (50th)
$36K
75th percentile
$38K
90th percentile (senior)
$45K
View jobs for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in Ohio
View →
More openings for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in Ohio
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full cooks, restaurant salary breakdown in Ohio
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Ohio
After federal + 0.7% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Ohio 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 Ohio?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Ohio is $35,540 per year ($17.09/hr). This is 5% below the national median of $37,390. Salaries range from $27,590 to $44,940.

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

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

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Ohio?

At the median salary of $35,540, a cooks, restaurant in Ohio would take home approximately $2,528/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,140/month, that's 45.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Ohio are Cleveland ($37,060), Columbus ($36,590), Cincinnati ($36,030). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Ohio have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Ohio has a state income tax rate of approximately 0.7%. On a $35,540 salary, this means roughly $266/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.