Wisconsin ranks 22nd of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $10,420 — a 28% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,000 to $47,000 — a $16,000 spread, 26% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Wisconsin employs roughly 2.2% of all cooks, institution and cafeteria in the country (9,680 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,000 | $14.90 |
| 25th percentile | $35,050 | $16.85 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| 75th percentile | $43,760 | $21.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,000 | $22.60 |
| Mean (average) | $39,000 | $18.75 |
How Wisconsin Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (current) | $37,840 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +28% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +25% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +24% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +22% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +21% |
| California | $45,680 | +21% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +21% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +20% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Wisconsin
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Advisors | $37,880 | 900 |
| Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks | $37,610 | 660 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $38,170 | 1,590 |
| Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | $37,420 | 1,660 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $38,270 | 920 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $37,290 | 390 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Wisconsin?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Wisconsin is $39,000 per year. The median (middle) salary is $37,840 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wisconsin?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Wisconsin typically earn around $31,000 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,050 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Wisconsin?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Wisconsin make approximately $47,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $43,760 per year.
How does the Wisconsin Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Wisconsin is $37,840, which is +4% above national average of $36,450.