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Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) Salary in Tennessee

Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) in Tennessee earn a median of $35,570 a year, −5% compared with the U.S. median.

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

Median pay
$35,570
vs. U.S. median
−5% ($37,450)
Rank among states
39 of 51
Jobs in the state
10,680

Pay range in Tennessee

The lowest-paid 10% earn under $27,830; the top 10% earn over $45,430. Nationally the range is $28,480 to $49,670.

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Cooks (Institution and Cafeteria) pay in Tennessee

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

The median is $35,570 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $27,830 and the top 10% earn over $45,430. BLS OEWS May 2025.

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

On pay alone it ranks 39 of 51 (−5% vs. the national median of $37,450). Living costs are not included.

Keep exploring

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