Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$35,900$17.26 per hour · $2,992 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Cooks, Restaurant Wage Percentiles in Appleton, WI
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (WI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $13.22/hr | $2,292 | $27,500 | $23,776 |
| 25th Percentile | $14.76/hr | $2,558 | $30,700 | $26,222 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $17.26/hr | $2,992 | $35,900 | $30,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $19.04/hr | $3,300 | $39,600 | $32,934 |
| 90th Percentile | $21.83/hr | $3,783 | $45,400 | $37,309 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Appleton, WI
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$35,900 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare restaurant cooks salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Wisconsin:
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks, Restaurant Pay in Appleton, WI
What is the median salary for restaurant cooks in Appleton, WI?
The official BLS median annual wage for restaurant cooks in Appleton, WI is $35,900, which equates to approximately $2,992 per month or $17.26 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for restaurant cooks in Appleton, WI?
The median hourly wage for restaurant cooks in Appleton, WI is $17.26 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $13.22/hour and one in ten earned more than $21.83/hour.
What is the pay range for restaurant cooks in Appleton, WI?
BLS wage estimates for restaurant cooks in Appleton, WI span from $27,500 at the 10th percentile to $30,700 at the 25th, $39,600 at the 75th, and $45,400 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do restaurant cooks take home after taxes in Appleton, WI?
On a median gross salary of $35,900, an estimated $30,144 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,159 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Wisconsin in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,756 (an effective rate of 16%).
How much do restaurant cooks make per month in Appleton, WI?
On the median annual salary of $35,900, gross monthly income is $2,992. After federal, FICA, and Wisconsin state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,512 per month (or $1,159 every two weeks).
Is $35,900 a good salary in Appleton, WI?
At $35,900, the median salary for restaurant cooks is 41.8% of the Appleton, WI median household income ($85,825). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 92.4, making regional consumer goods and services 7.6% cheaper than the U.S. average.