Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) Salary in North Carolina
Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) in North Carolina earn a median of $36,140 a year, −3% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $36,140
- vs. U.S. median
- −3% ($37,450)
- Rank among states
- 35 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 11,170
Pay range in North Carolina
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $28,050; the top 10% earn over $45,130. Nationally the range is $28,480 to $49,670.
States ranked near North Carolina
Similar jobs in North Carolina
- Cooks, Fast Food$27,190 median in North Carolina
- Cooks, Restaurant$35,400 median in North Carolina
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$31,460 median in North Carolina
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$38,240 median in North Carolina
- Bakers$34,510 median in North Carolina
- Cooks, Short Order$31,290 median in North Carolina
Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) pay in North Carolina
How much do cooks (institution and cafeteria) make in North Carolina?
The median is $36,140 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $28,050 and the top 10% earn over $45,130. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is North Carolina a good state for cooks (institution and cafeteria)?
On pay alone it ranks 35 of 51 (−3% vs. the national median of $37,450). Living costs are not included.