U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Homeland Security / Cooking

Job-title file

Cooking at Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Government

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

17 employees hold this title in Department of Homeland Security. Median total compensation for the role is $67,577, below the department median of $113,140.

Employees: 17
Total payroll: $1.2M
Role median: $67,577
Agency median: $113,140
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$50,213$100,913+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 17 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Cooking pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — about 441,050 people — is $37,450. Department of Homeland Security pays a median base salary of $67,577 for this role, 80% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Homeland Security sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$28,480

$32,440

$37,450

$44,800

$49,670

Department of Homeland Security median · $67,577

The bar is the range of annual wages for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Homeland Security’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Homeland Security is $67,577, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Cooking is held in 5 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Homeland Security, the median of $67,577 ranks #1 of 5.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Health and Human Services

$64,551 · 133

Department of Agriculture

$60,046 · 106

Department of Veterans Affairs

$56,579 · 2,265

Department of Interior

$50,860 · 250

Median total compensation for the Cooking role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Same department

Other job titles in Department of Homeland Security

Accounting 456
Accounting Technician 316
Administrative Officer 152
Aircraft Mechanic 141
Auditing 354
Budget Analysis 540
Civil Engineering 235
Civil Rights Analysis 121
Construction Analyst 104
Contracting 1,480
DHS Cybersecurity Specialist (For DHS Use Only) 227
Economist 119
Education and Vocational Training 106
Electrician 122
Emergency Management Specialist 12,989
Engineering Technical 108
Environmental Protection Specialist 1,071
Equal Employment Opportunity 182
Equipment Facilities, and Services 162
Equipment Services 129
Financial Administration and Program 1,075
Fire Protection and Prevention 113
General Attorney 1,405
General Business and Industry 364
General Engineering 464
General Legal and Kindred Administration 511
General Supply 102
Government Information Specialist 411
Grants Management 497
Human Resources Assistance 245
Human Resources Management 2,143
Information Technology Management 5,251
Instructional Systems 194
Inventory Management 217
Language Specialist 105
Legal Instruments Examining 142
Logistics Management 711
Maintenance Mechanic 290
Management and Program Analysis 8,957
Management and Program Clerical and Assistance 497
Marine Machinery Mechanic 116
Materials Handler 170
Miscellaneous Administration and Program 9,520
Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 621
Operations Research 200
Painting 116
Paralegal Specialist 131
Program Management 1,343
Public Affairs 533
Safety and Occupational Health Management 216
Secretary 137
Security Administration 1,639
Security Clerical and Assistance 1,160
Social Science 159
Supply Clerical and Technician 106
Supply Program Management 1,007
Telecommunications 431
Training Instruction 886
Transportation Operations 209
Transportation Specialist 197

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Michael Wayt

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$101,240

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $101,240
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,240
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: Ronald

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,240
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $101,240
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Michael Wayt works as a Cooking for Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. Michael earned $101,240 in 2026. Their pay grade is 08.

Keith Farrell

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$100,218

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $100,218
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,218
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: S

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $100,218
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $100,218
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Keith Farrell is a Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. 2025 total compensation came to $100,218. They are classified at grade 08.

Christian Borst

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$83,459

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $83,459
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $83,459
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: Hunter

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $83,459
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $83,459
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Christian Borst holds the role of Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. In 2026, their total compensation was $83,459. Their pay grade is 08.

Alice Corbin

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$83,459

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $83,459
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $83,459
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $83,459
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $83,459
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Alice Corbin holds the role of Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. In 2026, their total compensation was $83,459. Their pay grade is 08.

David Vollmerhausen

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$82,624

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $82,624
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,624
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,624
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $82,624
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

At Department of Homeland Security, David Vollmerhausen serves as a Cooking based in Round Hill, Virginia. Their 2025 pay totaled $82,624. They are classified at grade 08.

Lisa Pierce

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$74,882

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $74,882
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $74,882
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $74,882
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,882
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Lisa Pierce holds the role of Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. In 2025, their total compensation was $74,882. Their pay grade is 08.

Robert Polendey

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$73,149

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $73,149
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $73,149
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: F

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $73,149
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $73,149
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Robert Polendey holds the role of Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. In 2026, their total compensation was $73,149. Their pay grade is 08.

Amber Rosenberger

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$70,311

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $70,311
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,311
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,311
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,311
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

At Department of Homeland Security, Amber Rosenberger serves as a Cooking based in Round Hill, Virginia. Their 2026 pay totaled $70,311. They are classified at grade 08.

Panpak Bunnasopit

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$67,577

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $67,577
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $67,577
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $67,577
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $67,577
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Panpak Bunnasopit is a Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. 2026 total compensation came to $67,577. They are classified at grade 08.

John Gavin

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$67,577

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $67,577
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $67,577
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: Bliss

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $67,577
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $67,577
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

John Gavin holds the role of Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. In 2026, their total compensation was $67,577. Their pay grade is 08.

Howard Dunn

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$66,888

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $66,888
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $66,888
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: D

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $66,888
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,888
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Howard Dunn holds the role of Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. In 2025, their total compensation was $66,888. Their pay grade is 08.

Michael Nickens

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2024 total comp

$65,427

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $65,427
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $65,427
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $65,427
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $65,427
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

At Department of Homeland Security, Michael Nickens serves as a Cooking based in Round Hill, Virginia. Their 2024 pay totaled $65,427. They are classified at grade 08.

Angela Whetzel

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$64,447

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $64,447
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $64,447
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $64,447
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $64,447
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Angela Whetzel is a Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. 2025 total compensation came to $64,447. They are classified at grade 06.

Shelley Wills

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$62,151

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $62,151
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $62,151
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $62,151
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,151
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Shelley Wills is a Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. 2025 total compensation came to $62,151. They are classified at grade 06.

Donna Haberly

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$58,102

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $58,102
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $58,102
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $58,102
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $58,102
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Donna Haberly holds the role of Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. In 2026, their total compensation was $58,102. Their pay grade is 06.

Tanisha Ramos Gonzalez

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2024 total comp

$50,547

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $50,547
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,547
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: Marie

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,547
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $50,547
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Tanisha Ramos Gonzalez is a Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $50,547. They are classified at grade 04.

Jonathan Reif

Cooking/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$50,213

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $50,213
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,213
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Round Hill
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: S

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,213
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $50,213
Duty Station Code: 512130107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 7404

Jonathan Reif is a Cooking at Department of Homeland Security based in Round Hill, Virginia. 2026 total compensation came to $50,213. They are classified at grade 04.