salary$38,440 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Madison, WI area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$30,790per year
Top pay (top 10%)$47,090per year
Jobs in the area3,190people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Madison?
Expensive. Rent of $1,723 a month takes 53.8% 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 Madison, WI?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Madison, WI area is $38,440 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $30,790 and $47,090.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Madison?
Typical rent of $1,723 a month takes 53.8% 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 Madison, WI metro area.