salary$38,060 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$34,900per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,390per year
Jobs in the area3,990people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Buffalo?
Expensive. Rent of $1,397 a month takes 44.0% 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 Buffalo, NY?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area is $38,060 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $34,900 and $46,390.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Buffalo?
Typical rent of $1,397 a month takes 44.0% 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 Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area.