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Cafeteria Cook Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Cafeteria Cook make in Kentucky? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cafeteria Cook in Kentucky is $36,081 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, a Cafeteria Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $44,370
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $32,558 to $40,420
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,351
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Cafeteria Cook Job Openings in Kentucky

Key Factors That Influence Cafeteria Cook Salaries

A Cafeteria Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Cafeteria Cook Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cafeteria Cook's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $34,002
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $34,108
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $34,643
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $35,599
  • Expert (over 8 years): $36,804
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Cafeteria Cook less than 1 year $34,002
Early Career Level Cafeteria Cook 1-2 years $34,108
Mid-Level Level Cafeteria Cook 2-4 years $34,643
Senior-Level Level Cafeteria Cook 5-8 years $35,599
Expert Level Cafeteria Cook over 8 years $36,804

How Do Cafeteria Cook Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cafeteria Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $42,454.
  • California: $42,293.
  • Massachusetts: $41,729.

Top Paying Cities for Cafeteria Cook

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Graham: $34,838
  • Greenville: $34,717
  • Hartford: $34,899

Cafeteria Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cafeteria Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Cafeteria Cook positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cafeteria Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cafeteria Cook

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $45,102 $22.0 25%
Construction $43,298 $21.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $43,298 $21.0 20%
Insurance $41,494 $20.0 15%
Business Services $39,690 $19.0 10%

Cafeteria Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cafeteria Cook's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$32,558
Average $36,081/year
$40,420
$2,713
Average $3,007/month
$3,368
$626
Average $694/week
$777
$16
Average $17/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $40,420 $3,368 $777 $19
Average $36,081 $3,007 $694 $17
25th Percentile $32,558 $2,713 $626 $16

Find Your Next Cafeteria Cook Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cafeteria Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Aramark | LUIS LOPEZ, NM

    Cook

    Aramark | LUIS LOPEZ, NM

    ARAMARK is seeking a Cook for Palmer Chiropractic College in Iowa within our Accommodation & Food Services team. The Cook prepares and cooks a variety of m... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | WEST WARWICK, RI

    Cook

    Encompass Health | WEST WARWICK, RI

    Encompass Health is seeking a dedicated Cook to join our healthcare team and contribute to our mission of providing a comprehensive, cost-effective quality... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | JOHNSTON, RI

    Cook

    Encompass Health | JOHNSTON, RI

    Encompass Health is seeking a dedicated Cook to join our healthcare team and contribute to our mission of providing a comprehensive, cost-effective quality... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | RIVERSIDE, RI

    Cook

    Encompass Health | RIVERSIDE, RI

    Encompass Health is seeking a dedicated Cook to join our healthcare team and contribute to our mission of providing a comprehensive, cost-effective quality... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | GLOCESTER, RI

    Cook

    Encompass Health | GLOCESTER, RI

    Encompass Health is seeking a dedicated Cook to join our healthcare team and contribute to our mission of providing a comprehensive, cost-effective quality... more

    3 Days Ago

  • ARAMARK | BETHANY, WV

    Cook

    ARAMARK | BETHANY, WV

    ARAMARK is seeking a Cook for Palmer Chiropractic College in Iowa within our Accommodation & Food Services team. The Cook prepares and cooks a variety of m... more

    3 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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