salary$39,610 a year$19 an hour · median pay in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$34,040per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,630per year
Jobs in the area3,100people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Albany?
Expensive. Rent of $1,656 a month takes 50.2% of the median restaurant cook salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Restaurant Cook pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Albany, NY?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area is $39,610 a year ($19 an hour). Most earn between $34,040 and $46,630.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Albany?
Typical rent of $1,656 a month takes 50.2% of the median restaurant cook salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro area.