Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Bellingham, WA
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Bellingham, WA is $62,930. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,410.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Bellingham, WA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Bellingham, WA earns-2.7%below the national average.
$30.3
$1,210
$5,244
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Bellingham, WA have seen a slight adjustment of -7.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Bellingham, WA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $48,360, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $79,410.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $48,360 | $23.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $47,198 | $22.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $55,380 | $26.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $78,663 | $37.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $79,410 | $38.2 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Bellingham, WA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $62,930 to $62,930.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
1.248
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
110 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Bellingham, WA.
1.248 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $68,880↑ 9% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $73,980↑ 18% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,440↑ 4% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Bellingham, WA is $62,930. This typically ranges from $48,360 for entry-level positions to $79,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 2.7% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Bellingham, WA is $62,930 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Bellingham, WA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($68,880) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 1.248 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA