How to become a cook, institution and cafeteria

Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What cooks, institution and cafeteria do

• 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.
• Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
• Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
• Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Mathematics
• Active Learning
• Writing

Is cook, institution and cafeteria a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 27% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Washington $49,670
• Alaska $48,580
• Massachusetts $47,790
• Hawaii $47,770
• Rhode Island $46,570

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.