Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Nashville, TN

In Nashville, TN, cooks working in institutions and cafeterias have a median annual salary of $36,080, with an hourly rate of $17.34. This figure is slightly below the national median of $36,450 for this occupation. When compared to the local area's median household income, which stands at $82,499, it becomes apparent that cooks earn significantly less than the average household in Nashville. Specifically, a cook’s salary accounts for approximately 43% of the local median household income, indicating potential challenges in aligning earnings with regional living costs.

Entry-level workers in this field typically earn around $25,330 annually (10th percentile), while those at the 25th percentile make about $30,980 per year. In contrast, experienced cooks in the 75th percentile earn approximately $39,800 annually, and those in the top 10% of earners make up to $44,920 a year. The disparity in earnings is driven by factors such as experience, skill level, and possibly certifications or specializations within institutional cooking. As cooks gain more experience and demonstrate proficiency, their earning potential increases significantly compared to their entry-level counterparts. Additionally, regional demand for culinary professionals can influence salary variations across different percentiles.