Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for cooks, institution and cafeteria in the United States was $18.01, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $13.69 |
| 25th | $15.60 |
| Median | $18.01 |
| 75th | $21.54 |
| 90th | $23.88 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cooks, institution and cafeteria make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $18.01; the mean hourly wage is $18.66.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for cooks, institution and cafeteria?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $13.69 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for cooks, institution and cafeteria?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $23.88 per hour.