SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Cooks in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $43,140. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and demand within this specific labor market contribute to a more favorable compensation for institutional and cafeteria cooks.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,140 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,140.
  • Outlook: The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area supports a substantial workforce of 5,940 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. While the Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the sheer size of the local workforce suggests a consistent demand for these culinary professionals within the region's numerous institutions and cafeterias.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,140

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+13.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.7

Weekly

$830

Monthly

$3,595

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these differences, with the top earners representing those who have honed their craft and taken on greater responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,310$17
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$32,355$15.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$42,430$20.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$53,925$25.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$53,140$25.5

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,140

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,140

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,140 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

5,940

Total Jobs

1.903

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.65x 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 0.65, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable with a significant number of positions, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Maryland nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$37,760↓ 12%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$40,710↓ 6%35 mi
Lexington Park, MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$40,020↓ 7%55 mi
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$34,550↓ 20%63 mi
Winchester, VA-WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$35,730↓ 17%64 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $43,140. This typically ranges from $35,310 for entry-level positions to $53,140 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 13.1% higher than the national median of $38,130.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, it offers above-average pay.Cooks in this region earn approximately $5,000 more annually than the national average. The cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the higher salary provides greater purchasing power.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($37,760) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $43,140, which is $5,010 higher than the national average of $38,130.

What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the area?

There are approximately 5,940 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area.

How concentrated are Cook positions in this area compared to the nation?

The Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates that Cook positions are slightly less concentrated in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive job market.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?

No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria translates directly to greater disposable income compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,940 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.903 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV