salary$38,150 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Rochester, MN area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$30,680per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,100per year
Jobs in the area1,060people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Rochester?
Expensive. Rent of $1,704 a month takes 53.6% 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
Other jobs in Rochester
Registered NurseNurse PractitionerLicensed Practical NurseNursing AssistantMedical AssistantPharmacistPhysician AssistantDental HygienistElementary School TeacherSoftware DeveloperAccountantMarket Research AnalystOperations ManagerLawyer
Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Rochester, MN?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Rochester, MN area is $38,150 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $30,680 and $46,100.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Rochester?
Typical rent of $1,704 a month takes 53.6% 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 Rochester, MN metro area.