Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$36,300$17.45 per hour · $3,025 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Cooks, Restaurant Wage Percentiles in State College, PA
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 (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $10.82/hr | $1,875 | $22,500 | $19,448 |
| 25th Percentile | $14.23/hr | $2,467 | $29,600 | $25,055 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $17.45/hr | $3,025 | $36,300 | $30,233 |
| 75th Percentile | $18.94/hr | $3,283 | $39,400 | $32,628 |
| 90th Percentile | $21.49/hr | $3,725 | $44,700 | $36,724 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in State College, PA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$36,300 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare restaurant cooks salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Pennsylvania:
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks, Restaurant Pay in State College, PA
What is the median salary for restaurant cooks in State College, PA?
The official BLS median annual wage for restaurant cooks in State College, PA is $36,300, which equates to approximately $3,025 per month or $17.45 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for restaurant cooks in State College, PA?
The median hourly wage for restaurant cooks in State College, PA is $17.45 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $10.82/hour and one in ten earned more than $21.49/hour.
What is the pay range for restaurant cooks in State College, PA?
BLS wage estimates for restaurant cooks in State College, PA span from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $29,600 at the 25th, $39,400 at the 75th, and $44,700 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do restaurant cooks take home after taxes in State College, PA?
On a median gross salary of $36,300, an estimated $30,233 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,163 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Pennsylvania in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $6,067 (an effective rate of 16.7%).
How much do restaurant cooks make per month in State College, PA?
On the median annual salary of $36,300, gross monthly income is $3,025. After federal, FICA, and Pennsylvania state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,519 per month (or $1,163 every two weeks).
Is $36,300 a good salary in State College, PA?
At $36,300, the median salary for restaurant cooks is 48.9% of the State College, PA median household income ($74,291). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 96.8, making regional consumer goods and services 3.2% cheaper than the U.S. average.