Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Arkansas

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $29,010 -20.4% vs national
Median hourly $13.95
10th percentile $25,470
90th percentile $36,530
Employed locally 890
National median $36,450

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Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
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South Arkansas
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $25,470
    25th
    $27,110
    50th (median)
    $29,010
    75th
    $30,890
    90th
    $36,530

    Top-paying metros for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $54,840
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $50,290
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $50,150
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $49,850
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $48,940
    Washington $48,260

    Related occupations in South Arkansas

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $24,050
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $29,470
    Waiters and Waitresses $23,940
    Cooks, Restaurant $27,560
    Food Preparation Workers $26,710
    Cooks, Fast Food $25,120

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make per hour in South Arkansas?

    The median hourly wage for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Arkansas is $13.95, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.69 or more per hour.

    Is South Arkansas above or below average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries?

    The median Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in South Arkansas is 20.4% below the national median of $36,450. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Arkansas?

    Entry-level Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria (10th percentile) earn around $25,470 per year in South Arkansas. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,110.