Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas are earning an average annual salary of $48,430, significantly higher than the national average of $38,130. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of regional demand and the specific needs of institutional and cafeteria settings outside major urban centers, where specialized culinary skills may be more valued.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,960.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas appears robust, with a total local workforce of 570 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.51 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 51% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earns+27.0%above the national average.
$23.3
$931
$4,036
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 Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in the food service industry. This growth is often influenced by inflation, increasing demand for skilled labor, and the rising cost of living.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 institutional experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $37,810 | $18.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $36,323 | $17.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $46,380 | $22.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $60,538 | $29.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $60,960 | $29.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,430 in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas 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, making it a stable financial choice without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
4.393
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area has 1.5x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.51, Western Washington's nonmetropolitan area exhibits a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is more competitive or, conversely, that there is a higher abundance of opportunities relative to the general workforce, indicating a favorable environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $52,380↑ 8% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,770↓ 8% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,740↑ 1% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $48,850↑ 1% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,830↓ 5% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is $48,430. This typically ranges from $37,810 for entry-level positions to $60,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 27.0% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks in this region earn approximately $10,000 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 Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($52,380) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan area is $48,430, which is substantially higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.51, indicating that these jobs are 51% more concentrated in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $48,430 offers the same purchasing power as a lower salary would in a more expensive region.
What does the total local workforce size indicate?
With 570 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed locally, it suggests a stable and established demand for these roles within the nonmetropolitan Western Washington area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.393 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 Western Washington nonmetropolitan area