📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Cooks Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$32,602
per year
Median
$30,112
per year
Hourly
$15.67
per hour
📅 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$23,804
25th Percentile — Junior$28,452
50th Percentile — Median$30,112
75th Percentile — Senior$38,910
90th Percentile — Top Earners$42,211
💡 Top-earning Cooks Institution and Cafeterias in Kentucky make up to $42,211 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$28.1k
2021
$29.0k
2022
$29.8k
2023
$30.7k
2024
$31.7k
2025
$32.6k
2026
📈 Cooks Institution and Cafeteria salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Cooks Institution and Cafeteria Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $27,386 -16.0% High
Lexington $27,386 -16.0% High
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Cooks Institution and Cafeteria Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Cooks Institution and Cafeterias. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $32,602 per year, Kentucky's Cooks Institution and Cafeteria salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $23,804–$28,452, while experienced Cooks Institution and Cafeterias can command $38,910–$42,211.

Looking ahead, the Cooks Institution and Cafeteria profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing 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 Cooks Institution and Cafeteria salary in Kentucky is $32,602 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $39,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Cooks Institution and Cafeterias the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Cooks Institution and Cafeteria employment.
  • At $32,602/year, Kentucky Cooks Institution and Cafeteria salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $39,280/year.