Kentucky ranks 45th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $17,490 — a 57% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $24,460 to $43,660 — a $19,200 spread, 11% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.01 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.01× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $24,460 | $11.76 |
| 25th percentile | $27,310 | $13.13 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $30,770 | $14.79 |
| 75th percentile | $36,410 | $17.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,660 | $20.99 |
| Mean (average) | $32,300 | $15.53 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $30,770 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +57% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +54% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +52% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +50% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +49% |
| California | $45,680 | +48% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +48% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +48% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Library Technicians | $30,750 | 1,300 |
| Parking Attendants | $30,860 | 920 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $30,650 | 700 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $30,890 | 820 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $30,960 | 14,400 |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $30,490 | 420 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Kentucky?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Kentucky is $32,300 per year. The median (middle) salary is $30,770 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kentucky?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $24,460 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,310 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $43,660 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $36,410 per year.
How does the Kentucky Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Kentucky is $30,770, which is -16% below national average of $36,450.