Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA area earn an average annual salary of $61,940. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local culinary scene. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the value placed on culinary expertise within the Spokane market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,660.
- Outlook: The Spokane-Spokane Valley culinary job market, with a total local workforce of 240 Chefs and Head Cooks, indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, presence of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated in Spokane-Spokane Valley compared to the national average, implying a moderate level of demand relative to the national landscape. This concentration, combined with the number of jobs per 1,000 workers, points to a steady but not rapidly expanding market for culinary leadership.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA earns-4.2%below the national average.
$29.8
$1,191
$5,162
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Spokane-Spokane Valley's culinary sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving consumer tastes likely contribute to a gradual increase in compensation for skilled Chefs and Head Cooks, aiming to keep local wages competitive and attract talent.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Spokane-Spokane Valley typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $46,860 | $22.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $46,455 | $22.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $61,650 | $29.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $77,425 | $37.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $78,660 | $37.8 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,940 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Spokane-Spokane Valley aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by culinary professionals in this region has purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Consequently, relocating to Spokane-Spokane Valley as a Chef or Head Cook offers a stable financial standing relative to national standards, without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.955
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA has 0.81x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the Spokane-Spokane Valley area has a slightly lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, it is not as densely populated as in other major culinary hubs. This could translate to a less saturated job market for experienced professionals, potentially offering more opportunities for those seeking leadership roles, while also indicating that the demand, while steady, isn't exceptionally high compared to the national scale.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Coeur d'Alene, ID Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $56,860↓ 8% | 30 mi |
Comparing salaries near Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is $61,940. This typically ranges from $46,860 for entry-level positions to $78,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is 4.2% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $61,940 is stable with a cost of living at the national average, it falls slightly below the national average salary for the role.
Is Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Coeur d'Alene, ID ($56,860) and others.
How does the Spokane-Spokane Valley salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Spokane-Spokane Valley is $61,940, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Spokane-Spokane Valley?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.81, indicating that this profession is slightly less common in Spokane-Spokane Valley compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Spokane-Spokane Valley affect the salary?
The cost of living in Spokane-Spokane Valley is at the national average (100), meaning the $61,940 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number imply for job seekers?
With 240 Chefs and Head Cooks, the local workforce is of a moderate size, suggesting a stable job market that may offer opportunities for skilled professionals without extreme competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA area with a job density of 0.955 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 Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA