Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · Indiana

How to Become a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Indiana

Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Indiana earn a median salary of $35,080/year, which is 4% below the national average. Indiana has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, institution and cafeteria takes home approximately $1,018/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$35K
Median salary in Indiana
-4%
vs. national average
3.1%
State income tax
11,690
Employed in Indiana

What a cooks, institution and cafeteria can afford in Indiana

Gross annual salary$35,080
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.1% state tax)$2,430/mo
Median 2BR rent (Indiana)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home58.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,080/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,018/mo

Becoming a cooks, institution and cafeteria in Indiana

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Indiana licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Indiana

Indiana employs 11,690 cooks, institution and cafeterias. The highest concentrations are in South Bend-Mishawaka and Bloomington.

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary by metro area in Indiana

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
South Bend-Mishawaka$37K$17.92/hr590
Bloomington$36K$17.38/hr400
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood$36K$17.36/hr3,150
Kokomo$36K$17.21/hr130
Lafayette-West Lafayette$36K$17.21/hr290
Michigan City-La Porte$35K$16.98/hr130
Fort Wayne$35K$16.83/hr800
Columbus$35K$16.76/hr110
Muncie$35K$16.71/hr200
Evansville$35K$16.6/hr550
Elkhart-Goshen$32K$15.6/hr600
Terre Haute$31K$14.92/hr240

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary range in Indiana

10th percentile (entry)
$28K
25th percentile
$30K
Median (50th)
$35K
75th percentile
$37K
90th percentile (senior)
$42K
View jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Currently hiring in Indiana
View →
More openings for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Currently hiring in Indiana
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full cooks, institution and cafeteria salary breakdown in Indiana
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Indiana
After federal + 3.1% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Indiana cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

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

The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Indiana is $35,080 per year ($16.87/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $36,450. Salaries range from $27,930 to $42,230.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $35,080, a cooks, institution and cafeteria in Indiana would take home approximately $2,430/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 58.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, institution and cafeterias in Indiana are South Bend-Mishawaka ($37,270), Bloomington ($36,160), Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood ($36,100). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

Yes, Indiana has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $35,080 salary, this means roughly $1,070/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.