Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Who Earns More?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria out-earn Waiters and Waitresses by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria land at $37,450 and Waiters and Waitresses at $35,230. The education gap is real: cooks, institution and cafeteria programs typically require no formal educational credential, while waiters and waitress programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is Washington ($49,670); for Waiters and Waitresses it's Hawaii ($62,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria or Waiters and Waitresses?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn more nationally. The median is $37,450 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria versus $35,230 for Waiters and Waitresses, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria or Waiters and Waitresses?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria has the better 10-year outlook at 2% projected growth, compared to -0.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria or Waiters and Waitresses?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically requires no formal educational credential. Waiters and Waitresses requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria at $49,670/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria vs. Waiters and Waitresses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn $49,670 vs. $56,130 for Waiters and Waitresses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.