SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Bellingham, WA

Cooks in Bellingham, WA, earn an average annual salary of $42,390, notably exceeding the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation in Bellingham is likely influenced by a combination of local economic factors and the specific demand for culinary professionals within the city's vibrant restaurant scene.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,370.
  • Outlook: Bellingham presents a robust employment landscape for Cooks, Restaurant, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,110 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.29 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,390

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Bellingham, WA earns+12.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.4

Weekly

$815

Monthly

$3,533

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA

Salary progression for Cooks in Bellingham typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding increased skill, responsibility, and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,870$17.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$31,793$15.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$41,240$19.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$52,988$25.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$53,370$25.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,390

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $42,390 and a Cost of Living Index matching the national average of 100, the nominal income in Bellingham offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that the higher local wages for cooks effectively translate to a comparable standard of living when compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

1,110

Total Jobs

12.178

Per 1K Jobs

1.29

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.29, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.29 for Cooks, Restaurant in Bellingham signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles relative to the general employment landscape, indicating a competitive but potentially rewarding environment for job seekers in the culinary field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,310↑ 2%24 mi
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$47,150↑ 11%80 mi
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,420↑ 2%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Bellingham, WA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Bellingham, WA is $42,390. This typically ranges from $35,870 for entry-level positions to $53,370 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 12.4% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, Bellingham, WA offers a more lucrative environment for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.Cooks in Bellingham earn approximately $4,690 more annually than their national counterparts. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this higher salary translates to greater purchasing power locally.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($43,310) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Bellingham, WA?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Bellingham, WA is $42,390.

How does Bellingham's Cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Bellingham, WA earn an average of $42,390 annually, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Bellingham, WA?

Bellingham, WA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated are Cook jobs in Bellingham, WA?

Bellingham, WA has a higher concentration of Cook jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.29, meaning the profession is more prevalent there than 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 1,110 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 12.178 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA