Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Nebraska

Cooks, institution and cafeteria in Nebraska earn the most in Lincoln (average $38,830 a year) and the least in Grand Island ($35,800), across the 3 Nebraska metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the cooks, institution and cafeteria average at $37,310 and the median at $36,390 for 4,410 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $38,810.

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria average salary by city in Nebraska

Lincoln$38,830
Omaha$37,560
Grand Island$35,800

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Lincoln	$38,830	$36,830	$35,400	$32,493	92
Omaha	$37,560	$36,750	$34,480	$31,530	92
Grand Island	$35,800	$35,630	$32,130	$30,196	87

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in other states

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary by city and state

More about pay in Nebraska

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 35-2012.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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