Virginia ranks 27th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $12,000 — a 33% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $28,620 to $47,340 — a $18,720 spread, 13% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Virginia employs roughly 2.5% of all cooks, institution and cafeteria in the country (11,070 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $28,620 | $13.76 |
| 25th percentile | $31,460 | $15.13 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $36,260 | $17.43 |
| 75th percentile | $41,500 | $19.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| Mean (average) | $37,640 | $18.09 |
How Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | $36,260 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +33% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +30% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +29% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +28% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +27% |
| California | $45,680 | +26% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +26% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +25% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $36,230 | 68,080 |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | $36,170 | 24,920 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $36,150 | 5,370 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $36,380 | 3,450 |
| Telemarketers | $36,380 | 6,880 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $36,040 | 8,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Virginia?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Virginia is $37,640 per year. The median (middle) salary is $36,260 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Virginia?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Virginia typically earn around $28,620 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,460 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Virginia make approximately $47,340 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $41,500 per year.
How does the Virginia Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Virginia is $36,260, which is -1% below national average of $36,450.