Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $52,380. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs that drive compensation for these vital roles. The robust economic landscape of the region likely contributes to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,510.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 5,740 Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals in this sector. The presence of nearly 2.8 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+37.4%above the national average.
$25.2
$1,007
$4,365
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in institutional and cafeteria roles within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for food services in a growing metropolitan area, coupled with rising living costs, likely contributed to upward pressure on wages.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $43,540 | $20.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $39,285 | $18.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $50,290 | $24.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $65,475 | $31.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $61,510 | $29.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $52,380 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the salary is considerably higher than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average due to the balanced cost of living. Therefore, the higher nominal wage translates directly into comparable living standards.
Job Market Context
5,740
Total Jobs
2.758
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.95x 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 0.95, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates a balanced supply and demand for these professionals, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the market is not exceptionally saturated nor is it experiencing a severe shortage compared to the rest of the country. It implies a competitive yet accessible job market.
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↓ 7% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,430↓ 8% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,520↓ 13% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,850↓ 7% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $50,020↓ 5% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $52,380. This typically ranges from $43,540 for entry-level positions to $61,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 37.4% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers a lucrative salary compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $52,380 is substantially higher than the national average of $38,130. While the cost of living is at the national average, the higher nominal wage provides a strong earning potential for these roles.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($48,740) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks?
The local workforce of 5,740 indicates a significant presence of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, suggesting a robust demand and a substantial number of establishments employing these professionals within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.95 mean for this job role?
A Location Quotient of 0.95 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is very close to the national average. This suggests a stable job market without extreme over or under-representation compared to other regions.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers translate to opportunities?
With 2.758 jobs per 1,000 workers, there are consistent opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, reflecting a steady demand for their services within the local economy.
Should I consider relocating to Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue for a Cook position?
Given the significantly higher average salary and a cost of living that matches the national average, relocating to Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria position could be financially advantageous, offering better earning potential without a decrease in purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,740 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 2.758 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA