Pennsylvania ranks 24th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $11,430 — a 31% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $28,230 to $45,700 — a $17,470 spread, 19% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in Pennsylvania than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.35 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.35× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $28,230 | $13.57 |
| 25th percentile | $31,160 | $14.98 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $36,830 | $17.71 |
| 75th percentile | $41,470 | $19.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,700 | $21.97 |
| Mean (average) | $36,800 | $17.69 |
How Pennsylvania Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (current) | $36,830 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +31% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +28% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +25% |
| California | $45,680 | +24% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +24% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +23% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $36,940 | 3,660 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $36,670 | 24,490 |
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $37,000 | 13,940 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,480 | 4,390 |
| Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks | $37,190 | 3,490 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | $36,450 | 3,700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Pennsylvania?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Pennsylvania is $36,800 per year. The median (middle) salary is $36,830 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Pennsylvania typically earn around $28,230 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,160 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Pennsylvania?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Pennsylvania make approximately $45,700 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $41,470 per year.
How does the Pennsylvania Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Pennsylvania is $36,830, which is +1% above national average of $36,450.