How much does a Dietary Cook make?
A Dietary Cook works in food preparation for places like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. They ensure meals are nutritious and safe to eat. This job is important and rewarding. It involves working with food, which can be very satisfying. Salary is an important factor for many job seekers. Dietary Cooks can earn a good income.
Dietary Cooks earn between $23,250 and $45,800 per year. Most people in this job earn around $32,774 each year. The exact amount depends on factors like experience, location, and the type of facility they work for. Cooks who have been in the field longer often earn more. Places in big cities may pay higher wages than those in smaller towns. Knowing the salary range can help people decide if this job is right for them.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dietary Cook?

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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $43,225
Working as a Dietary Cook in Denver offers a mix of urban and outdoor living. With prominent facilities like Denver Health Medical Center, cooks find good opportunities. The city’s diverse population means a variety of cuisines to prepare.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $42,107
In Sacramento, Dietary Cooks can expect a role that combines creativity and community service. Companies such as Kaiser Permanente provide diverse experiences. The city’s rich culture adds flavor to meal preparation.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $41,137
In Pittsburgh, Dietary Cooks work in an environment that values precision and care. Facilities like UPMC offer many chances to grow. The city’s love for hearty meals makes the job rewarding.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $40,938
Boulder offers a unique setting for Dietary Cooks, blending health-conscious trends with outdoor activities. Institutions like Boulder Community Health provide excellent opportunities. The city’s healthy lifestyle influences meal planning.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $40,779
San Jose provides a dynamic environment for Dietary Cooks, with tech companies like Google needing nutritious meals. The city’s diverse food scene offers constant inspiration for meal preparation.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $39,197
In Spokane, Dietary Cooks work in a community that values health and wellness. Spokane Regional Health District is a notable employer. The city’s strong emphasis on fresh, local food shapes daily tasks.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $39,091
San Diego offers a vibrant atmosphere for Dietary Cooks, with institutions like Scripps Health providing diverse experiences. The city’s sunny climate and beach culture influence menu choices.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $38,953
Los Angeles offers a fast-paced environment for Dietary Cooks, with many hospitals and restaurants needing skilled professionals. The city’s diverse population offers a wide range of cuisines to explore.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $38,151
In Stockton, Dietary Cooks can find a supportive community, with facilities like Kaiser Permanente offering good opportunities. The city’s agricultural roots provide fresh ingredients for creative meal preparation.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $37,858
Chicago offers a bustling environment for Dietary Cooks, with large hospitals and eateries needing skilled workers. The city’s rich food culture offers endless inspiration for meal creation.
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What are the best companies a Dietary Cook can work for?

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Sevita
Average Salary: $41,661
Sevita offers rewarding roles for Dietary Cooks in various healthcare facilities across the country. They focus on personalized care and creating a supportive environment. They operate in states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York.
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NEW ORANGE HILLS
Average Salary: $40,167
NEW ORANGE HILLS provides a welcoming workplace for Dietary Cooks in their senior living communities. They offer opportunities to cook nutritious meals for residents. Their locations span multiple states, including Texas and Florida.
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Medilodge
Average Salary: $39,348
Medilodge values their Dietary Cooks by providing competitive pay and a collaborative environment. They focus on resident care and nutrition. The company operates skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers in Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio.
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CareOne
Average Salary: $39,178
CareOne offers Dietary Cook jobs that emphasize resident satisfaction and well-being. They provide training and support to ensure high-quality meals. Their facilities are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
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Baptist Health South Florida
Average Salary: $38,971
Baptist Health South Florida looks for dedicated Dietary Cooks to prepare meals for their patients and staff. They value healthy, delicious meals. They operate multiple hospitals and medical centers in South Florida.
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Healthcare Services Group
Average Salary: $38,599
Healthcare Services Group provides a stable work environment for Dietary Cooks, with a focus on patient care. They support career growth and offer positions in various states, including Georgia and Ohio.
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EPIC Healthcare
Average Salary: $37,833
EPIC Healthcare offers Dietary Cook jobs that emphasize teamwork and resident care. They focus on providing nutritious meals in a supportive environment. Their locations are mainly in the Midwest, including Illinois and Indiana.
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Columbine Health Systems
Average Salary: $35,535
Columbine Health Systems values their Dietary Cooks by providing opportunities to make a difference in residents' lives. They focus on quality care and operate in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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Five Star Senior Living
Average Salary: $34,571
Five Star Senior Living offers a friendly environment for Dietary Cooks who care about resident satisfaction. They focus on creating a home-like atmosphere. They have locations in several states, including California and Washington.
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Lorien Health Services
Average Salary: $34,200
Lorien Health Services offers Dietary Cook jobs that focus on quality care and resident well-being. They provide a supportive environment and have facilities in states such as Maryland and Pennsylvania.
How to earn more as a Dietary Cook?
A Dietary Cook has the opportunity to increase their earnings through various strategies. By taking proactive steps, a cook can advance in their career and enhance their income. One approach involves gaining specialized certifications or training in dietary nutrition. These qualifications can set a cook apart from others, making them more valuable to employers. Another factor is to seek positions in higher-paying settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or private dining services.
Experience and skills also play a significant role in earning more. A cook with more years of experience and a diverse skill set can command a higher salary. Networking within the industry and gaining recommendations from past employers can lead to better job opportunities. Continuous learning and staying updated on the latest trends in dietary care and culinary arts further boost a cook's earning potential. Lastly, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and a passion for patient care can make a cook an attractive candidate for higher-paying roles.
Consider the following factors to earn more as a Dietary Cook:
- Obtain specialized certifications
- Work in higher-paying facilities
- Gain experience and develop skills
- Network and get recommendations
- Stay updated with industry trends



