salary$37,290 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Lincoln, NE area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,580per year
Top pay (top 10%)$44,210per year
Jobs in the area890people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Lincoln?
Expensive. Rent of $1,328 a month takes 42.7% 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 Lincoln, NE?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Lincoln, NE area is $37,290 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $29,580 and $44,210.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Lincoln?
Typical rent of $1,328 a month takes 42.7% 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 Lincoln, NE metro area.