Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
SOC: 35-2012 O*NET: 35-2012.00
Median Salary
$36,450
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
69.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$21,870
25th
$29,160
50th (Median)
$36,450
75th
$43,740
90th
$54,675
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:466,100
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2%
Annual Openings:69,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)466,100
Current
2034 (Projected)475,400
+2%
+9,300
Employment Change
+2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
✓
Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Management of Personnel Resources
Management of Personnel Resources
✓
Coordination
Coordination
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Time Management
Time Management
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
English Language
✓
Food Production
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Mathematics
✓
Administration and Management
✓
Production and Processing
Education & Training
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year