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Cook - Institution Salary in the United States

How much does a Cook - Institution make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cook - Institution in the United States is $37,964 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, a Cook - Institution's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $46,288
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,099 to $42,321
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $30,580
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cook - Institution Salaries

A Cook - Institution's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Cook - Institution Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cook - Institution's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $36,695
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $36,810
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $37,387
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $38,419
  • Expert (over 8 years): $39,720
Levels Salary
Entry Level Cook - Institution$36,695
Intermediate Level Cook - Institution$36,810
Senior Level Cook - Institution$37,387
Specialist Level Cook - Institution$38,419
Expert Level Cook - Institution$39,720
View as Graph

How Do Cook - Institutions Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cook - Institutions. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $42,034.
  • California: $41,874.
  • Massachusetts: $41,316.

Top Paying Cities for Cook - Institution

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $47,884
  • San Francisco: $47,360
  • Oakland: $46,362

What Skills Can Increase a Cook - Institution's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 8.91% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Healthcare Services (Mentioned in 5.35% Job Postings): The improvement of health via the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, amelioration or cure of disease, illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in people. Health care is delivered by health professionals and allied health fields.
  • HACCP (Mentioned in 3.61% Job Postings): HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement to manufacturing and consumption of the finished product.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 8.91%
Healthcare Services 5.35%
HACCP 3.61%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Cook - Institution's salary.

  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Assisted Living: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coordination $41,381
9%
Time Management $40,242
6%
Assisted Living $40,242
6%
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Cook - Institution Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cook - Institution salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $42,499. While startup companies pay approximate $35,953.

Cook - Institution Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,953
Growth Stage 51~500 $38,024
Established 501~5000 $41,040
Enterprise 5000+ $42,499

Cook - Institution Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cook - Institution roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Cook - Institution positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cook - Institution as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cook - Institution

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$47,455$23.025%
Construction$45,557$22.020%
Pharmaceuticals$45,557$22.020%
Insurance$43,659$21.015%
Business Services$41,760$20.010%

How Education impacts an Cook - Institution's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cook - Institution enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Cook - Institution with a Bachelor's Degree is between $40,376 and $42,691.

Cook - Institution Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Cook - Institution
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.2%
High School 53.5%
Associates 30.3%
Bachelors 10.0%
Masters 0.6%
Doctorate 0.3%
View as Graph

Cook - Institution Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cook - Institution's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$34,099
Average $37,964/year
$42,321
$2,842
Average $3,164/month
$3,527
$656
Average $730/week
$814
$16
Average $18/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $42,321 $3,527 $814 $20
Average $37,964 $3,164 $730 $18
25th Percentile $34,099 $2,842 $656 $16

Cook - Institution Salary Growth & Career Path

Cook - Institution

Next Role

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cook - Institution, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Chef $59,105 56%
Sous Chef $55,765 47%
Pastry Chef $69,647 83%

Most common benefits for Cook - Institution

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Cook - Institution

Here are companies hiring for Cook - Institution and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Cook - Institution Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cook - Institution job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Cook - Institution

1. Where can a Cook - Institution earn the most?

A Cook - Institution's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Cook - Institution earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cook - Institution is $47,884.

2. What is the highest pay for Cook - Institution?

The highest pay for Cook - Institution is $46,288.

3. What is the lowest pay for Cook - Institution?

The lowest pay for Cook - Institution is $30,580.

4. What are the responsibilities of Cook - Institution?

Follows a menu to prepare and cook meats, fish, poultry, gravies, cereals, soups, vegetables and other foods for service in an institutional setting. May create and update menus, help with grocery items inventory and kitchen, equipment maintenance. May require a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Cook - Institution?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Cook - Institution roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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