📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey · 28.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$46,438
per year
Median
$42,598
per year
Hourly
$22.33
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$32,870
25th Percentile — Junior$40,038
50th Percentile — Median$42,598
75th Percentile — Senior$56,166
90th Percentile — Top Earners$61,565
💡 Top-earning Institution and Cafeteria Cooks in New Jersey make up to $61,565 per year. The job market in New Jersey is rated strong, with key industries including Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$41.0k
2021
$42.1k
2022
$43.1k
2023
$44.2k
2024
$45.3k
2025
$46.4k
2026
📈 Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries in New Jersey have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in New Jersey's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary by City in New Jersey
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Newark $56,654 +22.0% High
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Job Market in New Jersey
Key factors affecting compensation

New Jersey is home to a strong job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $46,438 per year, New Jersey's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 28.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in New Jersey (index: 1.28) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in New Jersey can expect to earn $32,870–$40,038, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $56,166–$61,565.

Looking ahead, the Institution and Cafeteria Cook profession in New Jersey is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Pharmaceuticals continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in New Jersey is $46,438 per year in 2026, which is 28.0% above the national average of $36,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in New Jersey due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • New Jersey has a strong job market with major industries in Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
  • At $46,438/year, New Jersey Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 28.0% higher than the national average of $36,280/year.