On the one hand it matters very little, whether or not your expectations make you seem "stuck up" to some people including yourself or not. You obviously have strong views in this area meaning this is something that is important to you. Go with what you feel is right for you in the end, and it always will be the best idea.

As for the whole situation, I wonder if you might think about a couple things. first, that you're thinking enough about this guy that you would feel torn in any way about the decision says more about how unsure you are whether this is a good decision to pass him up as a potential partner. It's something to think about.

On the plus side there is no way to know 100% whether or not the fact that he is a line cook and doesn't make as much as you'd like would be something that would be a relationship breaker in the future, if the other parts of the relationship end up being strong it may not matter. I know that finances and such are a very common problem in relationships so I'm not brushing it off either but what if this is a guy that's worth risking it? What if he turned out to be such a great guy that he made it all worth it in the end? Yeah we don't know that to be true either but it underscores my point that it could be something that may be insignificant in the grand scheme of things. something else to ponder.

I think lastly, it isn't going to hurt to date someone who you seem to be interested in in spite of those things. He must be someone that stands out for you or we wouldn't be having this conversation. I think that is a stronger point to at least give it some more consideration. Dating someone is far from a commitment anyway, the goal is to find out if they are compatible and worthy of our commitment and devotion.

I would say go for it in my opinion but mostly just some thoughts to ponder - hopefully they help you decide.