How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Pennsylvania
Cooks, Restaurants in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $35,340/year, which is 4% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,034/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Pennsylvania
Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Pennsylvania
Meet education requirements
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Pennsylvania typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Pennsylvania. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many cooks, restaurant positions in Pennsylvania require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification
Pennsylvania may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania employs 54,830 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton.
Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $37K | $17.81/hr | 24,790 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $37K | $17.67/hr | 3,250 |
| Lancaster | $36K | $17.2/hr | 2,180 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $36K | $17.2/hr | 2,600 |
| State College | $35K | $17.03/hr | 740 |
| Reading | $35K | $17/hr | 1,510 |
| Lebanon | $35K | $16.88/hr | 450 |
| York-Hanover | $35K | $16.69/hr | 1,590 |
| Gettysburg | $34K | $16.38/hr | 400 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $34K | $16.36/hr | 2,120 |
| Pittsburgh | $34K | $16.23/hr | 13,550 |
| Chambersburg | $33K | $16.01/hr | 510 |
| Altoona | $31K | $15.06/hr | 550 |
| Erie | $31K | $14.82/hr | 1,310 |
| Williamsport | $31K | $14.75/hr | 540 |
Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Pennsylvania
Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Pennsylvania?▼
The median cooks, restaurant salary in Pennsylvania is $35,340 per year ($16.99/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $21,500 to $44,390.
What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Pennsylvania?▼
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Pennsylvania typically require No formal educational credential. Pennsylvania may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Pennsylvania?▼
At the median salary of $35,340, a cooks, restaurant in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $2,446/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 57.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Pennsylvania?▼
The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington ($37,040), Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton ($36,750), Lancaster ($35,780). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Pennsylvania have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?▼
Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $35,340 salary, this means roughly $1,085/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.