Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $45,440. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within the region that drive compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,960.
- Outlook: The Kennewick-Richland area supports a local workforce of 360 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent within institutional and cafeteria settings across the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+19.2%above the national average.
$21.8
$874
$3,787
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 Kennewick-Richland, WA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $38,880 | $18.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,080 | $16.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $45,260 | $21.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $56,800 | $27.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $54,960 | $26.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,440 in Kennewick-Richland, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
2.852
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Kennewick-Richland, WA has 0.98x 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 0.98, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kennewick-Richland, WA, is closely aligned with the national average in terms of job concentration. This indicates a healthy, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, market where demand is consistent with the overall employment landscape, suggesting moderate competition and stable opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,630↑ 0% | 41 mi |
| Yakima, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,830↑ 1% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kennewick-Richland, WA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $45,440. This typically ranges from $38,880 for entry-level positions to $54,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 19.2% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn approximately $7,310 more annually than the national average. This higher nominal salary, combined with a cost of living that matches the national average, makes it a financially favorable location.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kennewick-Richland, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Walla Walla, WA ($45,630) and Yakima, WA.
How does the local workforce size affect job availability for Cooks?
A local workforce of 360 indicates a substantial presence of institutional and cafeteria employers, suggesting consistent opportunities for cooks within the Kennewick-Richland area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.98 signify for this role?
A Location Quotient of 0.98 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Kennewick-Richland is very close to the national average, implying a stable and predictable job market for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in Kennewick-Richland compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly the same as the national average. This allows the higher local salary to translate directly into comparable purchasing power.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks in this area?
Yes, as with most roles, experience plays a crucial part in salary determination. Senior cooks with specialized skills will command higher wages than entry-level positions, reflecting a typical career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 2.852 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 Kennewick-Richland, WA