Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$38,800$18.65 per hour · $3,233 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Cooks, Restaurant Wage Percentiles in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
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 (NY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $14.71/hr | $2,550 | $30,600 | $25,711 |
| 25th Percentile | $15.82/hr | $2,742 | $32,900 | $27,435 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $18.65/hr | $3,233 | $38,800 | $31,857 |
| 75th Percentile | $19.86/hr | $3,442 | $41,300 | $33,731 |
| 90th Percentile | $23.17/hr | $4,017 | $48,200 | $38,903 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$38,800 measures up against local economic conditions:
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Compare restaurant cooks salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in New York:
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks, Restaurant Pay in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
What is the median salary for restaurant cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The official BLS median annual wage for restaurant cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is $38,800, which equates to approximately $3,233 per month or $18.65 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for restaurant cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The median hourly wage for restaurant cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is $18.65 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $14.71/hour and one in ten earned more than $23.17/hour.
What is the pay range for restaurant cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
BLS wage estimates for restaurant cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY span from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $32,900 at the 25th, $41,300 at the 75th, and $48,200 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do restaurant cooks take home after taxes in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
On a median gross salary of $38,800, an estimated $31,857 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,225 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in New York in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $6,943 (an effective rate of 17.9%).
How much do restaurant cooks make per month in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
On the median annual salary of $38,800, gross monthly income is $3,233. After federal, FICA, and New York state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,655 per month (or $1,225 every two weeks).
Is $38,800 a good salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
At $38,800, the median salary for restaurant cooks is 53.7% of the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY median household income ($72,237). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 95.8, making regional consumer goods and services 4.2% cheaper than the U.S. average.