salary$35,760 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Gainesville, FL area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,490per year
Top pay (top 10%)$44,630per year
Jobs in the area1,320people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Gainesville?
Expensive. Rent of $1,510 a month takes 50.7% 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 Gainesville, FL?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Gainesville, FL area is $35,760 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $29,490 and $44,630.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Gainesville?
Typical rent of $1,510 a month takes 50.7% 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 Gainesville, FL metro area.