📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania · 1.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$35,917
per year
Median
$32,947
per year
Hourly
$17.27
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$25,423
25th Percentile — Junior$30,967
50th Percentile — Median$32,947
75th Percentile — Senior$43,441
90th Percentile — Top Earners$47,616
💡 Top-earning Institution and Cafeteria Cooks in Pennsylvania make up to $47,616 per year. The job market in Pennsylvania is rated strong, with key industries including Healthcare, Education, Finance.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$31.7k
2021
$32.5k
2022
$33.4k
2023
$34.2k
2024
$35.0k
2025
$35.9k
2026
📈 Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries in Pennsylvania have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Pennsylvania's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary by City in Pennsylvania
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Philadelphia $38,790 +8.0% High
Pittsburgh $35,199 -2.0% High
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Job Market in Pennsylvania
Key factors affecting compensation

Pennsylvania is home to a strong job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Education, Finance — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $35,917 per year, Pennsylvania's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 1.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Pennsylvania (index: 0.99) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Pennsylvania can expect to earn $25,423–$30,967, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $43,441–$47,616.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in Pennsylvania is $35,917 per year in 2026, which is 1.0% below the national average of $36,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in Pennsylvania due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Pennsylvania has a strong job market with major industries in Healthcare, Education, Finance. This makes it one of the better states for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
  • At $35,917/year, Pennsylvania Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 1.0% lower than the national average of $36,280/year.