Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Ames, IA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Ames, IA · 350 employed
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Ames, IA is $35,040 per year. The middle 50% of Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn between $31,220 and $36,620. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $44,410 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $28,230. The median of $35,330 is below the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Breakdown in Ames, IA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $28,230 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,220 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $35,330 |
| Mean (Average) | $35,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,620 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $44,410 |
Related Jobs in Ames, IA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $49,600 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $43,190 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $37,130 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $33,500 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $31,700 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $31,530 |
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $55,940 |
| Seattle, WA | $52,380 |
| San Jose, CA | $52,270 |
| San Francisco, CA | $51,710 |
| New Haven, CT | $50,580 |
| Napa, CA | $50,190 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $50,020 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $49,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Ames, IA?
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Ames, IA is $35,040 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Ames, IA?
The median Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Ames, IA is $35,330 per year. Half of Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias make in Ames, IA?
Entry-level Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Ames, IA typically earn around $28,230 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $31,220.
What do the highest-paid Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn in Ames, IA?
The highest-paid Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Ames, IA earn $44,410 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $36,620.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias work in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 350 Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias employed in the Ames, IA area, per BLS OEWS.