How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Tennessee
Cooks, Restaurants in Tennessee earn a median salary of $35,810/year, which is 3% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,156/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Tennessee
Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Tennessee
Meet education requirements
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Tennessee typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many cooks, restaurant positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification
Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Tennessee
Tennessee employs 27,300 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Knoxville.
Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $37K | $18/hr | 10,170 |
| Knoxville | $36K | $17.13/hr | 3,880 |
| Chattanooga | $35K | $16.94/hr | 2,650 |
| Jackson | $35K | $16.67/hr | 450 |
| Memphis | $35K | $16.62/hr | 4,520 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $34K | $16.31/hr | 1,030 |
| Morristown | $33K | $15.89/hr | 300 |
| Cleveland | $33K | $15.7/hr | 350 |
| Johnson City | $31K | $14.73/hr | 790 |
| Clarksville | $30K | $14.58/hr | 870 |
Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Tennessee
Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Tennessee?▼
The median cooks, restaurant salary in Tennessee is $35,810 per year ($17.21/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $24,150 to $44,740.
What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Tennessee?▼
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Tennessee typically require No formal educational credential. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Tennessee?▼
At the median salary of $35,810, a cooks, restaurant in Tennessee would take home approximately $2,568/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 55% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Tennessee?▼
The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($37,440), Knoxville ($35,630), Chattanooga ($35,220). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Tennessee have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?▼
No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means cooks, restaurants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.