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Food Service · Oregon

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Oregon

Cooks, Restaurants in Oregon earn a median salary of $38,040/year, which is 3% above the national average. Oregon has a state income tax of ~7.4%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,071/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$38K
Median salary in Oregon
+3%
vs. national average
7.4%
State income tax
18,970
Employed in Oregon

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Oregon

Gross annual salary$38,040
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 7.4% state tax)$2,483/mo
Median 2BR rent (Oregon)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home56.9% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$38,040/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,071/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Oregon

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Oregon licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Oregon

Oregon employs 18,970 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro and Bend.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Oregon

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro$39K$18.87/hr11,970
Bend$38K$18.5/hr1,380
Grants Pass$38K$18.16/hr250
Salem$38K$18.06/hr1,330
Medford$37K$17.73/hr810
Albany$36K$17.5/hr320
Corvallis$36K$17.47/hr360
Eugene-Springfield$36K$17.38/hr1,400

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Oregon

10th percentile (entry)
$32K
25th percentile
$36K
Median (50th)
$38K
75th percentile
$45K
90th percentile (senior)
$48K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Oregon?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Oregon is $38,040 per year ($18.29/hr). This is 3% above the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $31,940 to $48,210.

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

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

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Oregon?

At the median salary of $38,040, a cooks, restaurant in Oregon would take home approximately $2,483/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 56.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Oregon are Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro ($39,260), Bend ($38,480), Grants Pass ($37,760). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Oregon have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Oregon has a state income tax rate of approximately 7.4%. On a $38,040 salary, this means roughly $2,803/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.