salary$35,490 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Columbia, SC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$26,870per year
Top pay (top 10%)$43,220per year
Jobs in the area3,520people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Columbia?
Expensive. Rent of $1,394 a month takes 47.1% 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 Columbia, SC?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Columbia, SC area is $35,490 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $26,870 and $43,220.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Columbia?
Typical rent of $1,394 a month takes 47.1% 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 Columbia, SC metro area.