Cooks, institution and cafeteria
SOC Code: 35-2012Also known as:
Boarding House Cook, Cafeteria Cook, Camp Cook, Cook, Culinary Specialist
Median Annual Salary
$36,450
+2.0% growth (2024-2034)
70K
Openings/Year
466K
Current Jobs
What Cooks, institution and cafeteria Do
Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
💰 Salary
$36,450
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
70K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
466,100
Projected Employment (2034)
475,400
Related Careers
Chefs and head cooks
$60,990 •
+7.1% growth
Cooks, private household
$44,530 •
+5.1% growth
Cooks, restaurant
$36,830 •
+14.9% growth
Cooks, short order
$35,620 •
-5.6% growth
Food preparation workers
$34,220 •
-3.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Monitoring
Service Orientation
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
- Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
- Rotate and store food supplies.
- Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
- Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
- Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
- Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.
- Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.
- Train new employees.
- Take inventory of supplies and equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Cooks, institution and cafeteria
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a cooks, institution and cafeteria:
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
4,165 degrees awarded •
145 colleges offer this program
Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant
1,052 degrees awarded •
56 colleges offer this program
Foodservice Systems Administration/Management
373 degrees awarded •
34 colleges offer this program
Institutional Food Workers
181 degrees awarded •
13 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Cooks, institution and cafeteria
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become cooks, institution and cafeteria.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cooks, institution and cafeteria make?
The median annual salary for cooks, institution and cafeteria is $36,450.
What education do cooks, institution and cafeteria need?
Most cooks, institution and cafeteria positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General, Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant, Foodservice Systems Administration/Management.
Is becoming a cooks, institution and cafeteria a good career choice?
Cooks, institution and cafeteria is projected to see +2.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 69,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for cooks, institution and cafeteria?
Top colleges for aspiring cooks, institution and cafeteria include
Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Uintah Basin Technical College, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Central Georgia Technical College, Orange Coast College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to cooks, institution and cafeteria?
Cooks, institution and cafeteria may also be known as: Boarding House Cook, Cafeteria Cook, Camp Cook, Cook, Culinary Specialist, Dietary Aide, Dietary Cook, Dinner Cook, Food Service Specialist, Food Service Worker, Galley Cook, Institutional Cook, Kitchen Cook, Line Cook, Mess Cook, Nutrition Care Specialist, Prep Cook (Preparatory Cook), Ranch Cook, School Cafeteria Cook, School Cook.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.