salary$35,970 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$28,130per year
Top pay (top 10%)$43,680per year
Jobs in the area2,300people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Lexington-Fayette?
Expensive. Rent of $1,463 a month takes 48.8% 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area is $35,970 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $28,130 and $43,680.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Lexington-Fayette?
Typical rent of $1,463 a month takes 48.8% 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area.