salary$35,950 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$27,880per year
Top pay (top 10%)$44,480per year
Jobs in the area5,390people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Louisville?
Expensive. Rent of $1,278 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 Louisville, KY?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN area is $35,950 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $27,880 and $44,480.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Louisville?
Typical rent of $1,278 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 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN metro area.