▼25%
$16.46
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$11.68
MEDIAN
$16.46
90%
$21.29
The average hourly pay for a General/Institution Cook is $16.46 in 2025
Hourly Rate
$12 - $21
Total Pay
$24k - $48k
Is Average Late-Career General/Institution Cook Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for General/Institution Cooks?
What Do General/Institution Cooks Do?
General/Institution Cook Tasks
- Prepare ingredients by washing, chopping, weighing, and measuring.
- Operate cafeteria's equipment to cook and produce meals.
- Maintain food logs, expenditures, and inventory.
- Clean and maintain work area, utensils, and dishes.
- Monitor food quality and test for doneness, serving in standard portions and presentations.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a General/Institution Cook
Medical
62%
Dental
51%
Vision
49%
None
38%
Gender Breakdown for General/Institution Cooks
Female
52.4%
Male
47.6%
This data is based on 42 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About General/Institution Cooks
What is the highest pay for General/Institution Cooks?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a General/Institution Cook is $21.29 / hour
What is the lowest pay for General/Institution Cooks?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a General/Institution Cook is $11.68 / hour
How can General/Institution Cooks increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a General/Institution Cook is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a General/Institution Cook that oversees more junior General/Institution Cooks, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.