Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area command an impressive average annual salary of $73,980, significantly surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the region's robust economy, high demand for skilled culinary professionals, and the generally higher cost of operations within a major metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $100,350.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 2,680 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 1.09, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy and consistent demand for culinary talent within this dynamic region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+14.4%above the national average.
$35.6
$1,423
$6,165
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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in skilled trades and service industries, particularly in thriving economic centers.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is strongly tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions typically fall into the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and management skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between these percentiles represents significant career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $51,580 | $24.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $55,485 | $26.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $74,970 | $36 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $92,475 | $44.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $100,350 | $48.2 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $73,980 and a Cost of Living Index precisely at the national average of 100, Chefs and Head Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue can expect their nominal earnings to translate directly into purchasing power comparable to the national standard. This means the higher salary effectively offsets the typical expenses associated with living in a major city.
Job Market Context
2,680
Total Jobs
1.288
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.09 suggests that the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area has a slightly higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet stable job market where demand for skilled culinary professionals is robust, offering good opportunities for those entering or advancing in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,440↓ 12% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,390↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,700↓ 8% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,650↓ 9% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $68,880↓ 7% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $73,980. This typically ranges from $51,580 for entry-level positions to $100,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 14.4% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $73,980 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($65,440) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 2,680 suggests a substantial number of available positions, indicating a consistent demand for Chefs and Head Cooks within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.09 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.09 means there are slightly more Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area per worker than the national average, suggesting a healthy and slightly concentrated job market.
How does the cost of living affect the Chef salary in Seattle?
The Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the average salary of $73,980 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, indicating that the higher pay effectively balances out the cost of living.
What is the ratio of Chef jobs to the general workforce in Seattle?
There are approximately 1.288 jobs for Chefs and Head Cooks per 1,000 workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area, reflecting the prevalence of these roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,680 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 1.288 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA