Tennessee ranks 41st of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $16,350 — a 51% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $25,330 to $42,140 — a $16,810 spread, 22% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.25 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.25× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $25,330 | $12.18 |
| 25th percentile | $28,160 | $13.54 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $31,910 | $15.34 |
| 75th percentile | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $42,140 | $20.26 |
| Mean (average) | $33,260 | $15.99 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $31,910 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +51% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +48% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +47% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +45% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +44% |
| California | $45,680 | +43% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +43% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +42% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Advisors | $32,090 | 3,220 |
| Library Technicians | $31,660 | 500 |
| Recreation Workers | $31,620 | 3,150 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $32,250 | 2,960 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $32,320 | 5,650 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $31,220 | 37,440 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Tennessee?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Tennessee is $33,260 per year. The median (middle) salary is $31,910 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tennessee?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $25,330 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,160 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $42,140 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,840 per year.
How does the Tennessee Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Tennessee is $31,910, which is -12% below national average of $36,450.