Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Cooks in the institution and cafeteria sector within the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $48,850. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized premium for these culinary professionals. Factors such as the regional demand for institutional food services and the overall economic landscape likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,720.
- Outlook: The Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater region supports a workforce of 270 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of 2.153 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential food service positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+28.1%above the national average.
$23.5
$939
$4,071
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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, inflation adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive incremental increases in compensation for skilled positions like these.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $39,500 | $19 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $36,638 | $17.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $47,700 | $22.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $61,063 | $29.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $59,720 | $28.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,850 in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
2.153
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has 0.74x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that while Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are present in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, they are not disproportionately concentrated compared to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where demand exists, but competition may not be excessively fierce, offering moderate opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,740↓ 0% | 36 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $52,380↑ 7% | 47 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,110↓ 8% | 62 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,430↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,520↓ 7% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $48,850. This typically ranges from $39,500 for entry-level positions to $59,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 28.1% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks in this area earn approximately $10,720 more annually than the national average. The local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning this higher salary provides strong purchasing power.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($48,740) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater is $48,850, which is substantially higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the job market like for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?
The market is stable with a total local workforce of 270 and a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 2.153, indicating consistent demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary translates directly to equivalent purchasing power.
Is there high competition for these roles in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater?
With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 2.153 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA