salary$38,380 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Rochester, NY area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$34,360per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,430per year
Jobs in the area3,290people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Rochester?
Expensive. Rent of $1,331 a month takes 41.6% 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Rochester, NY?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Rochester, NY area is $38,380 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $34,360 and $46,430.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Rochester?
Typical rent of $1,331 a month takes 41.6% 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, NY metro area.