Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · South Carolina

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in South Carolina

Cooks, Restaurants in South Carolina earn a median salary of $35,700/year, which is 3% below the national average. South Carolina has a state income tax of ~1.8%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,094/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$36K
Median salary in South Carolina
-3%
vs. national average
1.8%
State income tax
26,230
Employed in South Carolina

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in South Carolina

Gross annual salary$35,700
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 1.8% state tax)$2,506/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home56.3% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,700/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,094/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in South Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain South Carolina licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in South Carolina

South Carolina employs 26,230 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal and Charleston-North Charleston.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in South Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal$37K$17.65/hr1,840
Charleston-North Charleston$37K$17.61/hr5,930
Greenville-Anderson-Greer$36K$17.18/hr4,450
Columbia$36K$17.16/hr3,490
Spartanburg$36K$17.14/hr1,240
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach$35K$16.72/hr3,780
Florence$34K$16.39/hr740
Sumter$30K$14.48/hr300

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in South Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$25K
25th percentile
$30K
Median (50th)
$36K
75th percentile
$37K
90th percentile (senior)
$44K
View jobs for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in South Carolina
View →
More openings for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in South Carolina
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full cooks, restaurant salary breakdown in South Carolina
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in South Carolina
After federal + 1.8% state tax
Calculate →
Compare South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in South Carolina is $35,700 per year ($17.17/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $25,420 to $44,210.

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

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

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in South Carolina?

At the median salary of $35,700, a cooks, restaurant in South Carolina would take home approximately $2,506/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 56.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in South Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in South Carolina are Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal ($36,710), Charleston-North Charleston ($36,630), Greenville-Anderson-Greer ($35,730). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does South Carolina have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, South Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.8%. On a $35,700 salary, this means roughly $657/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.