salary$38,170 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,360per year
Top pay (top 10%)$47,180per year
Jobs in the area10,420people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Nashville?
Expensive. Rent of $1,881 a month takes 59.1% 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 Nashville, TN?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area is $38,170 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $29,360 and $47,180.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Nashville?
Typical rent of $1,881 a month takes 59.1% 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area.