Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Dakota

Cooks, institution and cafeteria in South Dakota earn the most in Rapid City (average $38,020 a year) and the least in Sioux Falls ($37,960), across the 2 South Dakota metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the cooks, institution and cafeteria average at $37,630 and the median at $36,730 for 2,120 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $38,810.

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria average salary by city in South Dakota

Rapid City$38,020
Sioux Falls$37,960

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Rapid City	$38,020	$36,870	$34,060	$32,729	89
Sioux Falls	$37,960	$37,240	$32,710	$32,681	91

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; South Dakota has no state income tax. 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 South Dakota

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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