salary$37,030 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,210per year
Top pay (top 10%)$45,980per year
Jobs in the area14,430people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Charlotte?
Expensive. Rent of $1,881 a month takes 61.0% 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 Charlotte, NC?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area is $37,030 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $29,210 and $45,980.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Charlotte?
Typical rent of $1,881 a month takes 61.0% 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area.