salary$42,920 a year$21 an hour · median pay in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$35,310per year
Top pay (top 10%)$49,650per year
Jobs in the area29,670people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Arlington?
Expensive. Rent of $2,666 a month takes 74.5% 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 Arlington, VA?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is $42,920 a year ($21 an hour). Most earn between $35,310 and $49,650.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Arlington?
Typical rent of $2,666 a month takes 74.5% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.