Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Fast Food Cooks in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an average annual salary of $42,730, significantly higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated compensation is likely influenced by the region's robust economy and higher cost of living, which necessitate greater pay to attract and retain talent in the fast-food sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,130.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,380 individuals in this role, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue presents a substantial market for fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.49 indicates that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of workers suggests a stable and ongoing demand within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+37.3%above the national average.
$20.5
$822
$3,561
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage inflation and the increasing demand for service industry professionals in a thriving metropolitan economy.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Fast Food Cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. As cooks gain experience, their responsibilities often increase, leading to higher pay. The salary distribution, though not detailed here, would show a widening gap between the lower and upper percentiles, reflecting the earning potential for senior or specialized cooks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,020 | $16.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,048 | $15.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,830 | $18.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,413 | $25.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $73,130 | $35.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,730 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased pay is offset by local living expenses.
Job Market Context
4,380
Total Jobs
2.104
Per 1K Jobs
0.49
Location Quotient
At 0.49x, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.49 suggests that the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food Cooks relative to the national average. This could imply a moderately competitive job market where employers may need to offer competitive wages to attract qualified candidates, but it does not indicate an oversaturated market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,710↓ 14% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,220↓ 15% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,320↓ 13% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $42,730. This typically ranges from $35,020 for entry-level positions to $73,130 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 37.3% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, with caveats.The nominal salary is significantly higher than the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($36,710) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
Fast Food Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn an average of $42,730 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the job market like for Fast Food Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The market has a local workforce of 4,380 and a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.49, indicating a stable demand with a slightly lower job density than the national average.
Does the higher salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue translate to better purchasing power?
While the salary is higher, the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), meaning the increased earnings are likely consumed by local expenses, resulting in comparable purchasing power to the national average.
How many Fast Food Cooks are there per 1,000 workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
There are approximately 2.104 Fast Food Cooks per 1,000 workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,380 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 2.104 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA