Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Columbus, OH

In Columbus, OH, cooks working in institutions and cafeterias earn a median annual salary of $37,520, which translates to an hourly wage of approximately $18.04. This figure is slightly higher than the national median for this occupation at $36,450. When compared to the local area's median household income of $79,847, it becomes evident that these cooks' earnings represent roughly 47% of a typical household income in Columbus. The employment landscape for this occupation appears stable with an estimated 3,840 individuals employed in this role within the region, aligning with the local unemployment rate of 4.00%.

Entry-level cooks in Columbus can expect to earn around $29,520 annually, placing them at the 10th percentile, while those further up the earnings scale may make as much as $47,170 per year, which corresponds to the 90th percentile. With a 25th percentile salary of $34,410 and a median of $37,520, there is a noticeable progression in earning potential as experience accumulates. The difference between entry-level and experienced cooks can be attributed to factors such as tenure, skill level, specialization, and institutional demands. As cooks gain more experience and proficiency in managing kitchen operations or specializing in certain cuisines, their value within an institution increases, thereby driving higher compensation levels.