Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Washington
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Washington State earn an average annual salary of $49,920, significantly outpacing the national average of $38,130. This higher compensation is likely driven by a combination of factors specific to the state's economy, including a robust job market and potentially higher operational costs for institutions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,510.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 10,210 individuals in this role, Washington demonstrates a substantial presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of these jobs in Washington is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these culinary professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Washington earns+30.9%above the national average.
$24
$960
$4,160
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 Washington have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for roles experiencing steady demand and contributing to essential services within the state.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Washington
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 with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $39,400 | $18.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $37,440 | $18 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $48,260 | $23.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $62,400 | $30 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $61,510 | $29.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,371
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $49,920 in Washington presents a mixed picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the cost of living being 15.1% above the national average means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished compared to living in a lower-cost area with a lower salary.
Job Market Context
10,210
Total Jobs
2.885
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.99x 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 0.99 suggests that the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Washington is neither significantly more nor less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, implying a moderate level of competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $52,380↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,770↓ 10% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,740↓ 2% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,850↓ 2% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,830↓ 8% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Washington is $49,920. This typically ranges from $39,400 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 Washington is 30.9% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, with a caveat.Washington offers a higher average salary for these roles compared to the national average. However, the elevated cost of living in the state needs to be factored into the overall financial benefit.
Is Washington a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($52,380) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's average cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Washington is $49,920, which is substantially higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of cook jobs in Washington?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.99 for this role, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for cooks in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the real purchasing power might be less than in lower-cost states.
What is the total number of cooks employed in Washington?
There are approximately 10,210 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Washington State.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,210 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 2.885 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 Washington