salary$36,010 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$27,250per year
Top pay (top 10%)$44,410per year
Jobs in the area2,490people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Chattanooga?
Expensive. Rent of $1,537 a month takes 51.2% 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 Chattanooga, TN?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area is $36,010 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $27,250 and $44,410.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Chattanooga?
Typical rent of $1,537 a month takes 51.2% 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area.