salary$36,590 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Columbus, OH area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$28,960per year
Top pay (top 10%)$45,910per year
Jobs in the area8,600people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Columbus?
Expensive. Rent of $1,611 a month takes 52.8% 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 Columbus, OH?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Columbus, OH area is $36,590 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $28,960 and $45,910.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Columbus?
Typical rent of $1,611 a month takes 52.8% 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 Columbus, OH metro area.