Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) Salary in California
Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) in California earn a median of $46,390 a year, +24% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $46,390
- vs. U.S. median
- +24% ($37,450)
- Rank among states
- 6 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 31,660
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $37,570; the top 10% earn over $59,630. Nationally the range is $28,480 to $49,670.
States ranked near California
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Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) pay in California
How much do cooks (institution and cafeteria) make in California?
The median is $46,390 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $37,570 and the top 10% earn over $59,630. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for cooks (institution and cafeteria)?
On pay alone it ranks 6 of 51 (+24% vs. the national median of $37,450). Living costs are not included.