salary$33,540 a year$16 an hour · median pay in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$23,990per year
Top pay (top 10%)$40,180per year
Jobs in the area1,120people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Athens?
Expensive. Rent of $1,426 a month takes 51.0% 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 Athens, GA?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area is $33,540 a year ($16 an hour). Most earn between $23,990 and $40,180.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Athens?
Typical rent of $1,426 a month takes 51.0% 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA metro area.