Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas are earning an average annual salary of $36,710. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized premium for these roles. This higher compensation is likely influenced by regional labor market dynamics and the specific demand within these communities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,250.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food Cooks in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas appears stable, with a total local workforce of 380 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the presence of nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for this profession within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earns+17.9%above the national average.
$17.7
$706
$3,059
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 Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments common in the food service industry. This upward trajectory likely reflects an increasing demand for quick-service dining options and a competitive labor market.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Fast Food Cooks. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the salary spectrum, while cooks with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for career progression and increased remuneration as one advances in their culinary career.
| 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) | $27,533 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,850 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,888 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,250 | $19.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,710 in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food Cook's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average in a location with average living expenses, offering a balanced financial outlook.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
2.967
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area has 0.68x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.68, the market for Fast Food Cooks in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately abundant compared to other job types in the region, potentially leading to a more stable demand for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $42,730↑ 16% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,970↑ 1% | 54 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,220↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,530↓ 3% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is $36,710. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $40,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 17.9% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, it offers a higher average salary than the national average.Cooks in this region earn $36,710 annually, which is significantly above the national average of $31,130. The cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the higher salary provides better purchasing power.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($42,730) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas is $36,710, which is $5,580 higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Western Washington nonmetropolitan areas?
The Cost of Living Index for Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the national average.
How many Fast Food Cooks are there in this region?
There are approximately 380 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.68 mean?
A Location Quotient of 0.68 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas is lower than the national average. There are 0.68 times as many cooks per worker in this region compared to the nation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.967 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 Western Washington nonmetropolitan area