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Food Service · Florida

How to Become a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florida

Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Florida earn a median salary of $35,640/year, which is 2% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, institution and cafeteria takes home approximately $1,144/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$36K
Median salary in Florida
-2%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
24,100
Employed in Florida

What a cooks, institution and cafeteria can afford in Florida

Gross annual salary$35,640
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,556/mo
Median 2BR rent (Florida)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home55.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,640/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,144/mo

Becoming a cooks, institution and cafeteria in Florida

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, institution and cafeteria positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Florida licensure or certification

Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, institution and cafeterias. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Florida

Florida employs 24,100 cooks, institution and cafeterias. The highest concentrations are in Naples-Marco Island and Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor.

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary by metro area in Florida

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Naples-Marco Island$41K$19.66/hr480
Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor$37K$18/hr170
Lakeland-Winter Haven$37K$17.94/hr1,240
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin$37K$17.77/hr250
Sebring$37K$17.65/hr140
Homosassa Springs$37K$17.61/hr180
Jacksonville$37K$17.61/hr1,540
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota$36K$17.5/hr1,060
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach$36K$17.43/hr6,000
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford$36K$17.4/hr3,120
Port St. Lucie$36K$17.22/hr310
Gainesville$36K$17.14/hr310
Punta Gorda$35K$16.9/hr190
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville$35K$16.89/hr460
Wildwood-The Villages$35K$16.7/hr210

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary range in Florida

10th percentile (entry)
$29K
25th percentile
$32K
Median (50th)
$36K
75th percentile
$39K
90th percentile (senior)
$45K
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Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, institution and cafeteria make in Florida?

The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Florida is $35,640 per year ($17.13/hr). This is 2% below the national median of $36,450. Salaries range from $28,980 to $45,160.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, institution and cafeteria in Florida?

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, institution and cafeteria afford to live in Florida?

At the median salary of $35,640, a cooks, institution and cafeteria in Florida would take home approximately $2,556/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 55.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, institution and cafeterias in Florida?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, institution and cafeterias in Florida are Naples-Marco Island ($40,880), Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor ($37,440), Lakeland-Winter Haven ($37,310). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Florida have state income tax for cooks, institution and cafeterias?

No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means cooks, institution and cafeterias keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.