salary$36,170 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,400per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,170per year
Jobs in the area2,660people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Durham?
Expensive. Rent of $1,797 a month takes 59.6% 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 Durham, NC?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area is $36,170 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $29,400 and $46,170.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Durham?
Typical rent of $1,797 a month takes 59.6% 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area.