salary$36,710 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$26,580per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,630per year
Jobs in the area6,040people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Charleston?
Expensive. Rent of $2,117 a month takes 69.2% 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 Charleston, SC?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area is $36,710 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $26,580 and $46,630.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Charleston?
Typical rent of $2,117 a month takes 69.2% 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area.