salary$37,500 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Tucson, AZ area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$31,170per year
Top pay (top 10%)$44,910per year
Jobs in the area3,810people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Tucson?
Expensive. Rent of $1,358 a month takes 43.5% 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 Tucson, AZ?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Tucson, AZ area is $37,500 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $31,170 and $44,910.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Tucson?
Typical rent of $1,358 a month takes 43.5% 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 Tucson, AZ metro area.