Indiana ranks 34th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $13,180 — a 38% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $27,930 to $42,230 — a $14,300 spread, 34% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in Indiana than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.26 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.26× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $27,930 | $13.43 |
| 25th percentile | $30,090 | $14.46 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,080 | $16.87 |
| 75th percentile | $37,400 | $17.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $42,230 | $20.30 |
| Mean (average) | $34,480 | $16.58 |
How Indiana Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana (current) | $35,080 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +38% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +35% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +34% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +32% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +31% |
| California | $45,680 | +30% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +30% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +30% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Indiana
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Restaurant | $35,040 | 27,640 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $35,240 | 46,990 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $35,270 | 2,670 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $35,280 | 7,800 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,300 | 3,720 |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $35,320 | 6,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Indiana?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Indiana is $34,480 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,080 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Indiana?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Indiana typically earn around $27,930 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $30,090 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Indiana?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Indiana make approximately $42,230 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,400 per year.
How does the Indiana Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Indiana is $35,080, which is -4% below national average of $36,450.