National Salary Overview
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Median Salary
$35,762
Average (Mean)
$36,750
Employed Nationwide
435,630
VS
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Median Salary
$31,083
Average (Mean)
$33,477
Employed Nationwide
82,520
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earns $4,678 more (15.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$35,762
$31,083
Average (Mean) Salary
$36,750
$33,477
Total Employment
435,630
82,520
States with Higher Pay
32
7
Salary by State: Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pays more in 32 states; Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other pays more in 7.
| State | Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $45,520 | $28,970 | +$16,550 | ||
| Arizona | $37,910 | $36,130 | +$1,780 | ||
| Arkansas | $28,580 | $28,890 | $-310 | ||
| California | $44,940 | $35,360 | +$9,580 | ||
| Colorado | $38,410 | $35,250 | +$3,160 | ||
| Connecticut | $44,820 | $37,350 | +$7,470 | ||
| Florida | $34,390 | $29,940 | +$4,450 | ||
| Georgia | $33,310 | $26,430 | +$6,880 | ||
| Hawaii | $43,490 | $37,010 | +$6,480 | ||
| Illinois | $35,560 | $34,970 | +$590 | ||
| Indiana | $32,130 | $31,760 | +$370 | ||
| Iowa | $32,930 | $32,080 | +$850 | ||
| Kentucky | $29,490 | $26,410 | +$3,080 | ||
| Louisiana | $27,940 | $28,020 | $-80 | ||
| Maryland | $38,330 | $34,740 | +$3,590 | ||
| Michigan | $34,120 | $32,570 | +$1,550 | ||
| Minnesota | $38,910 | $43,560 | $-4,650 | ||
| Mississippi | $22,970 | $27,280 | $-4,310 | ||
| Missouri | $29,150 | $31,200 | $-2,050 | ||
| Montana | $34,940 | $24,960 | +$9,980 | ||
| Nebraska | $33,680 | $30,730 | +$2,950 | ||
| Nevada | $37,900 | $35,750 | +$2,150 | ||
| New Hampshire | $39,840 | $21,290 | +$18,550 | ||
| New Jersey | $42,160 | $32,840 | +$9,320 | ||
| New Mexico | $31,870 | $33,570 | $-1,700 | ||
| New York | $40,910 | $36,160 | +$4,750 | ||
| North Carolina | $33,630 | $27,280 | +$6,350 | ||
| Ohio | $35,110 | $25,820 | +$9,290 | ||
| Oregon | $39,390 | $31,200 | +$8,190 | ||
| South Carolina | $30,120 | $22,730 | +$7,390 | ||
| Tennessee | $29,990 | $29,120 | +$870 | ||
| Texas | $31,320 | $26,520 | +$4,800 | ||
| Utah | $36,410 | $30,440 | +$5,970 | ||
| Vermont | $37,140 | $30,330 | +$6,810 | ||
| Virginia | $36,320 | $27,520 | +$8,800 | ||
| Washington | $46,610 | $32,740 | +$13,870 | ||
| West Virginia | $28,440 | $30,990 | $-2,550 | ||
| Wisconsin | $36,230 | $29,960 | +$6,270 | ||
| Wyoming | $34,870 | $34,390 | +$480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
On average across all states, a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earns more than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other. The national median salary difference is $4,678 (15.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn more than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
A Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earns a higher median salary than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in 32 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
The national median salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is $35,762 per year, compared to $31,083 for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
There are more people employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. BLS reports approximately 435,630 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions and 82,520 Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
Both Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria and Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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