How much does a Dietary Cook make?
Dietary Cooks play a vital role in preparing meals for people in various settings. They work in hospitals, schools, and other institutions. The average yearly salary for a Dietary Cook is around $32,077. This means that, on average, Dietary Cooks earn a decent income.
The salary for Dietary Cooks can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience often earn higher salaries. Cooks in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living may also earn more. The data shows that salaries range from about $23,000 to $44,000 per year. This range offers a good opportunity for growth and advancement in the field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dietary Cook?

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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $41,902
In Denver, a cook can find work in many hospitals and care facilities. Companies like Kaiser Permanente offer good opportunities. Denver's vibrant food scene also means cooks can learn a lot.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $41,423
Sacramento has many healthcare facilities that need cooks. Working here means you can enjoy the city's mild weather. Companies like UC Davis Health provide good career growth.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $40,552
Boulder offers a healthy lifestyle and many organic food options. Working as a cook here means you can enjoy fresh ingredients. Local companies like Boulder Community Health are known for their support.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $39,884
San Jose has a growing tech industry that needs cooks. Working here means you can be part of a dynamic community. Companies like El Camino Hospital offer good benefits.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $38,934
Pittsburgh offers a mix of urban and small-town feel. Working as a cook here means you can enjoy a strong sense of community. Companies like UPMC provide good career opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $38,918
San Diego has a great climate and many military bases that need cooks. Working here means you can enjoy beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Companies like Sharp HealthCare offer good benefits.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $38,383
Los Angeles offers a diverse and vibrant food scene. Working as a cook here means you can learn from many different cultures. Companies like Cedars-Sinai provide excellent career growth.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $37,397
Stockton has a growing healthcare sector that needs cooks. Working here means you can enjoy a lower cost of living. Companies like St. Joseph's Medical Center offer good opportunities.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $37,358
Riverside offers a mix of urban and rural living. Working as a cook here means you can enjoy a strong community. Companies like Kaiser Permanente provide good career growth.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $37,276
Chicago has a rich food culture and many healthcare facilities that need cooks. Working here means you can enjoy a vibrant city life. Companies like Northwestern Memorial Hospital offer excellent benefits.
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What are the best companies a Dietary Cook can work for?

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CareOne
Average Salary: $41,164
CareOne offers rewarding Dietary Cook jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in several locations, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Their commitment to quality care makes it a great place to work.
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NEW ORANGE HILLS
Average Salary: $40,000
NEW ORANGE HILLS provides excellent Dietary Cook positions. They are located in Orange Hills, California. The company values its employees and offers a supportive work environment.
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Medilodge
Average Salary: $39,110
Medilodge offers Dietary Cook jobs with competitive pay. They have facilities in Michigan and New York. The company emphasizes teamwork and patient care.
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Morris View Healthcare Center
Average Salary: $39,096
Morris View Healthcare Center provides Dietary Cook positions with a good salary. They are located in Morris, Illinois. The company focuses on providing quality care to its residents.
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Baptist Health South Florida
Average Salary: $38,553
Baptist Health South Florida offers Dietary Cook jobs with a strong emphasis on patient care. They operate in several locations across Florida. The company values its employees and offers a supportive work environment.
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Healthcare Services Group
Average Salary: $38,177
Healthcare Services Group offers Dietary Cook positions with a good salary. They have facilities across the United States. The company values its employees and offers a supportive work environment.
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ABCM Corporation
Average Salary: $36,133
ABCM Corporation provides Dietary Cook jobs with a competitive salary. They are located in several states. The company emphasizes teamwork and patient care.
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Peabody Retirement Community
Average Salary: $36,000
Peabody Retirement Community offers Dietary Cook positions with a good salary. They are located in Peabody, Massachusetts. The company values its employees and offers a supportive work environment.
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Columbine Health Systems
Average Salary: $34,950
Columbine Health Systems offers Dietary Cook jobs with a good salary. They operate in several locations across the United States. The company values its employees and offers a supportive work environment.
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Powerlink
Average Salary: $34,259
Powerlink provides Dietary Cook positions with a competitive salary. They are located in several states. The company emphasizes teamwork and patient care.
How to earn more as a Dietary Cook?
A Dietary Cook can find many ways to increase their earnings. This role involves preparing meals that meet specific dietary needs. By focusing on certain strategies, a Dietary Cook can enhance their skills and potentially earn more. Attention to detail, efficiency, and a willingness to learn new techniques can make a significant difference.
Here are some factors that can help a Dietary Cook earn more:
- Certifications: Obtaining certifications in food safety and nutrition can boost a cook's credentials. These certifications show employers a commitment to quality and safety.
- Specialization: Specializing in a particular type of cuisine or dietary requirement, such as vegan or gluten-free cooking, can make a cook more valuable. This expertise can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Experience: Gaining experience in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, or restaurants, can open up more job opportunities. Each setting may offer different pay scales.
- Networking: Building a strong network within the industry can lead to job referrals and recommendations. Attending culinary events and joining professional groups can help connect with others in the field.
- Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest cooking techniques and food trends can improve a cook's skills. This ongoing education can lead to better job performance and higher pay.