West Virginia ranks 47th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $19,470 — a 68% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $23,000 to $38,800 — a $15,800 spread, 27% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in West Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.23 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.23× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $23,000 | $11.06 |
| 25th percentile | $27,020 | $12.99 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $28,790 | $13.84 |
| 75th percentile | $34,200 | $16.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,800 | $18.65 |
| Mean (average) | $30,700 | $14.76 |
How West Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (current) | $28,790 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +68% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +64% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +63% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +61% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +59% |
| California | $45,680 | +59% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +58% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +58% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in West Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bakers | $28,740 | 800 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $28,660 | 2,350 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $28,930 | 530 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $28,560 | 6,370 |
| Bartenders | $29,030 | 3,120 |
| Recreation Workers | $29,050 | 1,670 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in West Virginia?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in West Virginia is $30,700 per year. The median (middle) salary is $28,790 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Virginia?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in West Virginia typically earn around $23,000 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,020 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in West Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in West Virginia make approximately $38,800 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $34,200 per year.
How does the West Virginia Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in West Virginia is $28,790, which is -21% below national average of $36,450.