Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Cooks in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,520. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized demand and potentially higher operational costs that influence compensation for these essential food service professionals. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this region contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,050.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area supports a robust local workforce of 3,550 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.01, 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. This indicates a healthy job market for individuals in this role.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+19.4%above the national average.
$21.9
$875
$3,793
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Portland is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced growth, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for food services, coupled with rising operational costs, likely contributed to incremental salary increases, ensuring compensation remains competitive within the local market.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a noticeable salary increase 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 clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one advances in expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,710 | $17.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,140 | $16.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $44,760 | $21.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $56,900 | $27.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,050 | $27.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,520 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that, on average, the earnings of a cook in this area provide a purchasing power equivalent to the national median, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
3,550
Total Jobs
2.928
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is highly representative of the national distribution. This indicates a balanced market where the number of jobs is closely aligned with the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage of talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,250↓ 1% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,110↓ 1% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,150↓ 10% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,330↓ 14% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,280↓ 12% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $45,520. This typically ranges from $36,710 for entry-level positions to $57,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 19.4% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers a slightly above-average earning potential.Cooks in this area earn approximately $7,390 more annually than the national average. This higher compensation aligns with the national average cost of living, making it a stable market for this profession.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($45,250) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $45,520, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.01, indicating that the proportion of these jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for cooks in Portland?
The local Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the higher salary of $45,520 effectively translates to average purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
There are approximately 3,550 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,550 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 2.928 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA