📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$31,926
per year
Median
$29,286
per year
Hourly
$15.35
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$22,598
25th Percentile — Junior$27,526
50th Percentile — Median$29,286
75th Percentile — Senior$38,614
90th Percentile — Top Earners$42,326
💡 Top-earning Institution and Cafeteria Cooks in South Carolina make up to $42,326 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$28.2k
2021
$28.9k
2022
$29.6k
2023
$30.4k
2024
$31.1k
2025
$31.9k
2026
📈 Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $31,926 +0% High
🔍
Institution and Cafeteria Cook Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $31,926 per year, South Carolina's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $22,598–$27,526, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $38,614–$42,326.

Looking ahead, the Institution and Cafeteria Cook profession in South Carolina is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive 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 South Carolina is $31,926 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $36,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
  • At $31,926/year, South Carolina Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $36,280/year.