salary$39,170 a year$19 an hour · median pay in the Salem, OR area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$31,510per year
Top pay (top 10%)$49,720per year
Jobs in the area1,610people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Salem?
Expensive. Rent of $1,690 a month takes 51.8% 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 Salem, OR?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Salem, OR area is $39,170 a year ($19 an hour). Most earn between $31,510 and $49,720.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Salem?
Typical rent of $1,690 a month takes 51.8% 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 Salem, OR metro area.