FAQ
Cafeteria Cook FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a cafeteria cook.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a cafeteria cook: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about cafeteria cooks
Do I need experience?
No.
Do school cooks work summers?
Often not.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
How much does a cafeteria cook make?
The median annual wage for cafeteria cooks was $37,450 ($18.01 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,480 and the highest 10% earned more than $49,670.
How long does it take to become a cafeteria cook?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be a cafeteria cook?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is cafeteria cook a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.8% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 62,900 openings each year. Upsides include regular hours; a common challenge is that repetitive menus.
What skills does a cafeteria cook need?
Key technical skills include batch cooking, recipe scaling, special diets, and food safety. Employers also value reliability, teamwork, and organization.
What certifications are available for cafeteria cooks?
Common credentials include Food handler card, ServSafe, School nutrition certificate, and Allergen training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Cafeteria Cook fit quiz, compare with Line Cook, or explore Cafeteria Cook training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 35-2012 (Cooks, institution and cafeteria).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Cooks, institution and cafeteria (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.