Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pay in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson
In Baltimore-Columbia-Towson (MD), the median pay for cooks, institution and cafeteria is $18.90 an hour ($39,310 a year). About 1,660 people work in this job there.
That is 5% higher than the U.S. median ($37,450). It is 5% lower than the Maryland median ($41,380).
Pay range for cooks, institution and cafeteria in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson (MD)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $17.13 | $35,630 |
| 25% of workers | $17.77 | $36,960 |
| Half of workers (median) | $18.90 | $39,310 |
| 75% of workers | $21.85 | $45,450 |
| 90% of workers | $23.24 | $48,340 |
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pay in Maryland metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Salisbury | $44,430 | 100 |
| Lexington Park | $40,420 | 70 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson (this page) | $39,310 | 1,660 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | $34,570 | 370 |
Maryland unemployment rate: 4.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for cooks, institution and cafeteria
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 3 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +2.8% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 62,900 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson (MD)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $33,090 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $38,760 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $37,420 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $35,080 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $33,290 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $36,460 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $59,290 |
| Bakers | $36,590 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.