Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area earn an average annual salary of $36,220. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. Factors such as the regional economic landscape and the specific demand within this metropolitan area likely contribute to this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,100.
- Outlook: The Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater region supports a workforce of 340 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.62, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of 2.703 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for fast-food cooking professionals in this area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+16.4%above the national average.
$17.4
$697
$3,018
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Inflationary pressures and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive nominal wage growth across most sectors, including fast food, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and market demand.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| 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) | $27,165 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,890 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,275 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,100 | $18.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,220 for Cooks, Fast Food in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by a fast-food cook in this area has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover typical living expenses.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
2.703
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.62 for Cooks, Fast Food in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, signifies that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, there may be fewer specialized opportunities or a smaller pool of dedicated fast-food cooks relative to other professions in the region. It implies a moderate level of competition for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $42,730↑ 18% | 47 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,770↓ 1% | 62 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,710↑ 1% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $36,220. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $39,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 16.4% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, it offers above-average pay.Cooks, Fast Food in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earn $36,220 annually, which is higher than the national average of $31,130. The local cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable nationally.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($42,730) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $36,220, which is approximately $5,090 higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.62, indicating that this occupation is less concentrated in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA affect the salary?
The cost of living in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $36,220 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair reflection of living costs.
What does the total local workforce size suggest for job availability?
With 340 Cooks, Fast Food in the local workforce, it indicates a stable job market for this role within the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area, supporting consistent employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 2.703 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA