New Jersey ranks 11th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $4,210 — a 10% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,850 to $54,190 — a $19,340 spread, 10% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are less concentrated in New Jersey than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.59 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.69× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,850 | $16.76 |
| 25th percentile | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,050 | $21.18 |
| 75th percentile | $47,050 | $22.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $54,190 | $26.05 |
| Mean (average) | $43,670 | $21.00 |
How New Jersey Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (current) | $44,050 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +10% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +7% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +6% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +5% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +4% |
| California | $45,680 | +4% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +4% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +3% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Jersey
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $44,110 | 15,140 |
| Order Clerks | $43,850 | 3,640 |
| Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | $44,480 | 27,850 |
| File Clerks | $44,530 | 2,690 |
| Data Entry Keyers | $43,480 | 5,240 |
| Nursing Assistants | $44,910 | 31,310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in New Jersey?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in New Jersey is $43,670 per year. The median (middle) salary is $44,050 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Jersey?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in New Jersey typically earn around $34,850 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,930 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in New Jersey?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Jersey make approximately $54,190 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $47,050 per year.
How does the New Jersey Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in New Jersey is $44,050, which is +21% above national average of $36,450.