Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary (2025)
Based on 441,050 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $28,480 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $32,440 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $37,450 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $44,800 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $49,670 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$28K
25th
$32K
Median
$37K
75th
$45K
90th
$50K
Highest Paying States for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $52,100 |
| Washington | $51,290 |
| Alaska | $49,410 |
| Massachusetts | $48,750 |
| California | $47,900 |
| New York | $46,850 |
| Rhode Island | $46,620 |
| Connecticut | $46,320 |
| Vermont | $46,260 |
| District of Columbia | $45,560 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Hawaii at an average of $52,100 per year, while District of Columbia has an average of $45,560 — a difference of $6,540. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 441,050 workers were employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. The annual mean wage of $38,810 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 35-2012