salary$36,280 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,350per year
Top pay (top 10%)$45,700per year
Jobs in the area7,160people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Cary?
Expensive. Rent of $2,050 a month takes 67.8% 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 Cary, NC?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area is $36,280 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $29,350 and $45,700.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Cary?
Typical rent of $2,050 a month takes 67.8% 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area.