Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Bellingham, WA
Fast Food Cooks in Bellingham, WA, earn an average annual salary of $36,060, which is notably higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated pay in Bellingham can be attributed to a combination of local economic factors and the specific demand for these roles within the city's workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,230.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.62, the market for Fast Food Cooks in Bellingham indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not exceptionally high, the presence of 2.667 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these essential service positions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Bellingham, WA earns+15.8%above the national average.
$17.3
$693
$3,005
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bellingham's Fast Food Cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest annual salary increases for roles across the food service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Bellingham, WA, typically sees a significant increase from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While exact figures vary, the gap between the lowest and highest earners often reflects years of dedicated service, acquired skills, and increased responsibilities, with senior cooks potentially earning 20-30% more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,045 | $13 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,510 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,075 | $21.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,230 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,060 in Bellingham, WA, aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food Cook's salary in Bellingham is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the local cost of goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage when compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
2.667
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Bellingham, WA has 0.62x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Fast Food Cooks in Bellingham, WA, signifies that this profession is less concentrated in the local job market than it is nationally. This suggests that while there are available positions, the competition might be less intense than in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering a more favorable environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,320↑ 3% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $42,730↑ 18% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Bellingham, WA is $36,060. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $37,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 15.8% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Fast Food Cooks in Bellingham earn approximately 16% more than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the nominal salary quite competitive.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 ($37,320) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the salary compare to other cities in Washington?
While Bellingham offers a salary above the national average, salaries in other Washington cities, particularly larger metropolitan areas, may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living variations.
What are the typical entry-level responsibilities for a Fast Food Cook?
Entry-level responsibilities often include food preparation, order taking, customer service, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to food safety standards.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Fast Food Cooks in Bellingham?
Yes, experienced cooks can often advance to shift leader, assistant manager, or even store manager positions, which typically come with increased responsibilities and higher compensation.
Does the Cost of Living in Bellingham affect the real value of the salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Bellingham is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the real value of the $36,060 salary is equivalent to the national average, meaning it stretches neither further nor less far than elsewhere.
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 Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 2.667 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA