Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Bellingham, WA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA, earn an average annual salary of $48,030, significantly exceeding the national average of $38,130. This higher local compensation is likely influenced by a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand within Bellingham's institutional and cafeteria sectors. The presence of a dedicated workforce of 250 individuals in this role further underscores the localized nature of this pay structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,250.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA, appears stable with a total local workforce of 250. A Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests that this profession is nearly as concentrated in Bellingham as it is nationally, indicating a consistent demand that aligns with the overall labor market. The figure of 2.703 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the presence of this role within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA earns+26.0%above the national average.
$23.1
$924
$4,003
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA, have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to modest annual salary growth in this sector.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall towards the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, though not detailed here, would represent the career trajectory from novice to senior roles within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $38,520 | $18.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $36,023 | $17.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $48,050 | $23.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $60,038 | $28.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $59,250 | $28.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $48,030 in Bellingham, WA, holds up well against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Bellingham is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher wages effectively offset the standard cost of living in the area.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
2.703
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Bellingham, WA has 0.93x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 0.93, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA, is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the demand for these professionals is neither exceptionally high nor unusually low compared to other regions. It suggests a steady, reliable employment landscape for individuals in this role within Bellingham.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $50,020↑ 4% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $52,380↑ 9% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,740↑ 1% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA is $48,030. This typically ranges from $38,520 for entry-level positions to $59,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 26.0% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Bellingham, WA offers competitive compensation for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary of $48,030 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, indicating good earning potential.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($50,020) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the Bellingham salary compare to the national average?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA, earn an average of $48,030 annually, which is approximately $10,000 more than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Bellingham?
An LQ of 0.93 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Bellingham is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market for these professionals.
Does the cost of living in Bellingham affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Bellingham is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher local salary of $48,030 translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Bellingham?
There are approximately 2.703 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bellingham, WA, indicating a consistent presence of these roles within the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Bellingham, 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA