Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pay in Boston-Cambridge-Newton
In Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA), the median pay for cooks, institution and cafeteria is $23.33 an hour ($48,530 a year). About 5,310 people work in this job there.
That is 30% higher than the U.S. median ($37,450). It is 2% higher than the Massachusetts median ($47,790).
Pay range for cooks, institution and cafeteria in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $19.18 | $39,890 |
| 25% of workers | $22.10 | $45,970 |
| Half of workers (median) | $23.33 | $48,530 |
| 75% of workers | $26.40 | $54,910 |
| 90% of workers | $28.41 | $59,090 |
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pay in Massachusetts metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $49,720 | 170 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton (this page) | $48,530 | 5,310 |
| Pittsfield | $47,740 | 170 |
| Worcester | $46,780 | 690 |
| Springfield | $46,440 | 450 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton | $41,470 | 520 |
Massachusetts unemployment rate: 4.3% (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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $36,290 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $45,830 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $47,090 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $39,660 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $39,600 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $72,470 |
| Bakers | $38,570 |
| Food Service Managers | $92,650 |
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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.