Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 410,100 people employed as cooks, institution and cafeteria in the United States. The median annual salary is $29,910. Entry level employees earn approximately $22,140 per year and senior employees earn approximately $43,980 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Monitor use of government food commodities to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
• Plan menus that are varied, nutritionally balanced, and appetizing, taking advantage of foods in season and local availability.
• Monitor menus and spending to ensure that meals are prepared economically.
• Compile and maintain records of food use and expenditures.
• Determine meal prices, based on calculations of ingredient prices.
• Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
• Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
• Rotate and store food supplies.
• Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
• Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
• Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
• Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.
• Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.
• Train new employees.
• Take inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment, and appliances, based on estimates of future needs.
• Bake breads, rolls, or other pastries.

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