Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $66,010. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $64,680, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for culinary professionals in this region. The higher pay is likely influenced by the area's specific economic drivers and demand for skilled kitchen leadership.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,990.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro culinary job market demonstrates a robust concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.62, signifying a significantly higher presence of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. Supported by a local workforce of 2,320 professionals in this role, the demand appears stable and well-established, suggesting a healthy environment for those in the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+2.1%above the national average.
$31.7
$1,269
$5,501
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion and evolving consumer tastes often drive increased demand for culinary expertise, which typically translates to upward pressure on wages for experienced professionals.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is strongly tied to experience and demonstrated skill. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized culinary knowledge, and leadership capabilities can expect to earn significantly more. The variance in salaries across different experience levels highlights clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $46,730 | $22.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $49,508 | $23.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $61,190 | $29.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $82,513 | $39.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $91,990 | $44.2 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,010 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing relative to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
2,320
Total Jobs
1.91
Per 1K Jobs
1.62
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 1.6x the national concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.62, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area exhibits a notable concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks, suggesting a more competitive job market than the national average. While this indicates a strong demand for these roles, it also implies that professionals may face more competition when seeking employment or advancement opportunities within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,030↓ 8% | 44 mi |
| Albany, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $59,550↓ 10% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,530↓ 13% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,860↓ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $66,010. This typically ranges from $46,730 for entry-level positions to $91,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 2.1% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, with a salary exceeding the national average and a cost of living on par.The average salary of $66,010 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living index of 100 indicates that your earnings will maintain standard purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($61,030) and Albany, OR.
How does the number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Portland compare to the national average?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has 1.91 Chefs and Head Cooks per 1,000 workers, which is 62% higher than the national average, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 1.62.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in the Portland area?
There are approximately 2,320 Chefs and Head Cooks employed within the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Chef's salary in Portland?
No, the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $66,010 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks saturated in Portland?
While the concentration is higher than the national average, indicating strong demand, the presence of 2,320 professionals suggests a robust and active market rather than saturation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,320 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 1.91 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA