Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Idaho
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Idaho earn a median of $35,600 a year ($17.11 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,650 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,550 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $37,450. Idaho ranks 38th of 51 states for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay. There are 4.3 cooks, institution and cafeteria per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $36,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for cooks, institution and cafeteria in Idaho
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,330 | $13.62 |
| 25th percentile | $30,730 | $14.78 |
| Median | $35,600 | $17.11 |
| 75th percentile | $39,010 | $18.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,550 | $21.90 |
| Average (mean) | $36,160 | $17.39 |
Half of cooks, institution and cafeteria earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,966.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,483.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,369.23 |
| Weekly | $684.62 |
| Hourly | $17.11 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in cities in Idaho
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $37,650 | 320 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $37,500 | 140 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $37,110 | 280 |
| Boise City, ID | $35,890 | 1,370 |
| Twin Falls, ID | $34,880 | 220 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $34,260 | 330 |
| Pocatello, ID | $33,720 | 190 |
Highest-paying states for cooks, institution and cafeteria
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $49,670 |
| Alaska | $48,580 |
| Massachusetts | $47,790 |
| Hawaii | $47,770 |
| Rhode Island | $46,570 |
| California | $46,390 |
| Vermont | $46,370 |
| Connecticut | $46,120 |
| New York | $45,880 |
| District of Columbia | $45,450 |
Related jobs in Idaho
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| Food Preparation Worker | $31,510 | $15.15 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $31,070 | $14.94 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $40,090 | $19.28 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,940 | $13.91 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $30,050 | $14.45 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $38,190 | $18.36 |
| Bartender | $27,240 | $13.10 |
| Dishwasher | $29,920 | $14.39 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $27,280 | $13.12 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $27,810 | $13.37 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $34,220 | $16.45 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $52,000 | $25.00 |
More: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations · all salaries in Idaho
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 35-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooks, institution and cafeteria make in Idaho?
The median salary for cooks, institution and cafeteria in Idaho is $35,600 a year, or $17.11 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,550 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid cooks, institution and cafeteria make in Idaho?
The top 10% of cooks, institution and cafeteria in Idaho earn at least $45,550 a year. The top 25% earn $39,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for cooks, institution and cafeteria in Idaho?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,330 a year, and a quarter of cooks, institution and cafeteria earn $30,730 or less.
How many cooks, institution and cafeteria work in Idaho?
About 3,650 cooks, institution and cafeteria are employed in Idaho, not counting the self-employed.