Alabama ranks 49th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $21,480 — a 80% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $18,480 to $36,250 — a $17,770 spread, 17% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in Alabama than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.47 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.47× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $18,480 | $8.89 |
| 25th percentile | $20,750 | $9.97 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $26,780 | $12.87 |
| 75th percentile | $30,850 | $14.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,250 | $17.43 |
| Mean (average) | $26,910 | $12.94 |
How Alabama Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (current) | $26,780 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +80% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +76% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +75% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +73% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +71% |
| California | $45,680 | +71% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +70% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +70% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Alabama
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cashiers | $26,760 | 48,790 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $26,690 | 25,580 |
| School Bus Monitors | $26,590 | 120 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $27,100 | 21,100 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $27,160 | 7,960 |
| Dishwashers | $27,230 | 3,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Alabama?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Alabama is $26,910 per year. The median (middle) salary is $26,780 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alabama?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Alabama typically earn around $18,480 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $20,750 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Alabama?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Alabama make approximately $36,250 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $30,850 per year.
How does the Alabama Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Alabama is $26,780, which is -27% below national average of $36,450.