SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Chefs and Head Cooks in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an impressive average annual salary of $72,410, significantly surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation is directly influenced by the region's dynamic economic landscape and the specialized demands of its culinary sector, reflecting a higher value placed on experienced culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $72,410 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $101,830.
  • Outlook: The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region supports a robust culinary job market for Chefs and Head Cooks, with a total local workforce of 4,480 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates a concentration of these positions that is 22% higher than the national average, suggesting strong demand and a healthy environment for culinary professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$72,410

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+12.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.8

Weekly

$1,393

Monthly

$6,034

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized culinary training, and leadership capabilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight the substantial earning potential as one advances from an apprentice role to a head chef or executive chef position.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$45,850$22
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$54,308$26.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$68,260$32.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$90,513$43.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$101,830$49

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$72,410

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$72,410

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $72,410 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Chefs and Head Cooks in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for culinary professionals.

Job Market Context

4,480

Total Jobs

1.438

Per 1K Jobs

1.22

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.22, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.22, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area demonstrates a notable concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is more specialized and potentially more competitive, but also offers greater opportunities for those with the requisite skills and experience in the culinary field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Maryland nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$59,800↓ 17%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$63,850↓ 12%35 mi
Lexington Park, MD Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$63,790↓ 12%55 mi
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$54,240↓ 25%63 mi
Winchester, VA-WV Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$54,880↓ 24%64 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $72,410. This typically ranges from $45,850 for entry-level positions to $101,830 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 12.0% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $72,410 is significantly higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($59,800) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does the local salary compare to the national average for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria earn an average of $72,410 annually, which is $7,730 more than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in this region?

The region has a concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks that is 22% higher than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.22.

How does the Cost of Living affect the Chef and Head Cook salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $72,410 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?

There are approximately 4,480 Chefs and Head Cooks employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,480 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.438 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV