Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Cooks in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area earn an average annual salary of $42,260, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local hospitality sector, reflecting a slightly higher valuation for culinary professionals in this Washington locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,130 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.95, the job market in Kennewick-Richland indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, presence of this profession compared to the national average. The presence of nearly 9 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for culinary talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+12.1%above the national average.
$20.3
$813
$3,522
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for establishments, and a growing appreciation for skilled kitchen staff. This suggests that the current average salary of $42,260 in Kennewick-Richland likely represents an increase from previous years.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant is significantly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized culinary expertise can expect to earn at the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on advanced culinary techniques and management capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,150 | $17.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,695 | $15.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $39,340 | $18.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,825 | $25.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $50,050 | $24.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,260 in Kennewick-Richland 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 area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
8.9
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Kennewick-Richland, WA has 0.95x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.95 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Kennewick-Richland is very close to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand and supply are relatively balanced, offering opportunities for skilled individuals without being overly saturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,190↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Yakima, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,480↓ 4% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kennewick-Richland, WA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $42,260. This typically ranges from $36,150 for entry-level positions to $50,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 12.1% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Cooks in Kennewick-Richland earn above the national average salary, and with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, their earnings provide solid purchasing power.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kennewick-Richland, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Walla Walla, WA ($40,190) and Yakima, WA.
How does Kennewick-Richland's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $42,260, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job market like for cooks in Kennewick-Richland?
The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.95 indicating a presence close to the national average for this profession, and approximately 8.9 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a cook's salary in Kennewick-Richland?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average, meaning the $42,260 salary has average purchasing power locally.
How many cooks are employed in the Kennewick-Richland area?
There are approximately 1,130 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Kennewick-Richland, WA workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 8.9 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA