salary$34,940 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Wilmington, NC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$27,490per year
Top pay (top 10%)$44,620per year
Jobs in the area3,440people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Wilmington?
Expensive. Rent of $1,730 a month takes 59.4% 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 Wilmington, NC?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Wilmington, NC area is $34,940 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $27,490 and $44,620.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Wilmington?
Typical rent of $1,730 a month takes 59.4% 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 Wilmington, NC metro area.