Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria fall under the Food Preparation and Serving category in the U.S. occupational classification. Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn a median salary of $36,450 per year, ranking in the top 93% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.0% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do cooks, institution and cafeteria earn?

The median annual wage for cooks, institution and cafeteria is $36,450. That puts cooks, institution and cafeteria at #752 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is cooks, institution and cafeteria a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for cooks, institution and cafeteria is +2.0%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 466K positions in 2024 to 475K in 2034, a net change of 9K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do cooks, institution and cafeteria do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working cooks, institution and cafeteria, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
2. 2.Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
3. 3.Rotate and store food supplies.
4. 4.Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
5. 5.Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
6. 6.Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
7. 7.Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.
8. 8.Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.

Top skills for cooks, institution and cafeteria

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become cooks, institution and cafeteria?

Many cooks, institution and cafeteria enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Chefs and Head Cooks
  $60,990 median
• Cooks, Private Household
  $44,530 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
  $42,010 median
• Cooks, Restaurant
  $36,830 median
• Cooks, All Other
  $36,210 median
• Cooks, Short Order
  $35,620 median

Common questions parents ask about cooks, institution and cafeteria