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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Washington

Fast Food Cooks in Washington, State earn an average annual salary of $39,500, significantly higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated pay is largely influenced by Washington's higher cost of living and potentially stronger local demand for these essential service roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,500 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,550.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 8,630 individuals, the market for Fast Food Cooks in Washington is well-established. The Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume indicates consistent employment opportunities within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,500

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Washington earns+26.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19

Weekly

$760

Monthly

$3,292

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Washington

Entry-level Fast Food Cooks typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,970$16.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,625$14.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,800$17.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$49,375$23.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,550$21.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,500

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,318

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal salary of $39,500 appears attractive, it's crucial to consider Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This means that everyday expenses are about 15.1% higher than the national average, so the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost states.

Job Market Context

8,630

Total Jobs

2.439

Per 1K Jobs

0.56

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington has 0.56x 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 0.56 indicates that Fast Food Cooks are less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job is present, it might not be as overwhelmingly dominant a sector as in some other regions, potentially leading to a moderately competitive job market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$42,730↑ 8%42 mi
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$36,970↓ 6%54 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$36,220↓ 8%70 mi
Yakima, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$35,530↓ 10%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Washington is $39,500. This typically ranges from $33,970 for entry-level positions to $44,550 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 26.9% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, but with caveats.Fast Food Cooks in Washington earn a higher average salary than the national average. However, the state's elevated cost of living means that the real value of this salary is somewhat reduced.

Is Washington a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($42,730) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

How does experience affect a Fast Food Cook's salary in Washington?

Experience significantly impacts earnings, with senior cooks and those in supervisory roles earning substantially more than entry-level positions.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Fast Food Cooks in Washington?

A Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests that Washington has fewer Fast Food Cooks per capita than the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated job market.

How does the cost of living in Washington compare to the national average?

Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average.

What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks employed in Washington?

There are approximately 8,630 Fast Food Cooks employed in Washington State.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,630 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 2.439 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington