salary$37,180 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,720per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,710per year
Jobs in the area7,220people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Milwaukee?
Expensive. Rent of $1,284 a month takes 41.4% 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 Milwaukee, WI?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area is $37,180 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $29,720 and $46,710.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Milwaukee?
Typical rent of $1,284 a month takes 41.4% 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro area.