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Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) Salary in New Jersey

Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) in New Jersey earn a median of $44,520 a year, +19% compared with the U.S. median.

Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers

Median pay
$44,520
vs. U.S. median
+19% ($37,450)
Rank among states
12 of 51
Jobs in the state
7,490

Pay range in New Jersey

The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,500; the top 10% earn over $53,060. Nationally the range is $28,480 to $49,670.

States ranked near New Jersey

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Similar jobs in New Jersey

Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) pay in New Jersey

How much do cooks (institution and cafeteria) make in New Jersey?

The median is $44,520 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,500 and the top 10% earn over $53,060. BLS OEWS May 2025.

Is New Jersey a good state for cooks (institution and cafeteria)?

On pay alone it ranks 12 of 51 (+19% vs. the national median of $37,450). Living costs are not included.

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Sources. Pay and employment: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (national and state files). Pay is not adjusted for living costs. Data Sources & Licenses