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Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) Salary in South Dakota

Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) in South Dakota earn a median of $36,730 a year, −2% compared with the U.S. median.

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

Median pay
$36,730
vs. U.S. median
−2% ($37,450)
Rank among states
29 of 51
Jobs in the state
2,120

Pay range in South Dakota

The lowest-paid 10% earn under $30,140; the top 10% earn over $45,650. Nationally the range is $28,480 to $49,670.

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Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) pay in South Dakota

How much do cooks (institution and cafeteria) make in South Dakota?

The median is $36,730 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $30,140 and the top 10% earn over $45,650. BLS OEWS May 2025.

Is South Dakota a good state for cooks (institution and cafeteria)?

On pay alone it ranks 29 of 51 (−2% 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