Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Cooks in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area earn an average annual salary of $42,120, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated compensation reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within this Washington state region, likely influenced by local industry needs and a competitive job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,660.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,170 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater indicates a stable demand for these professionals. While the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer number of jobs per 1,000 workers (9.199) suggests a consistent need for culinary talent within the area's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+11.7%above the national average.
$20.3
$810
$3,510
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and a competitive labor market typically drive incremental salary increases for skilled positions in the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,630 | $17.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,590 | $15.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $39,170 | $18.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,650 | $25.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $52,660 | $25.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,120 in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,170
Total Jobs
9.199
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has 0.98x 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 0.98 for Cooks, Restaurant in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where the demand for cooks is neither significantly higher nor lower than what would be expected nationally, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,420↑ 3% | 36 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $47,150↑ 12% | 47 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,640↓ 4% | 62 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,510↑ 1% | 70 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,730↓ 1% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $42,120. This typically ranges from $35,630 for entry-level positions to $52,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 11.7% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers above-average pay.Cooks in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater earn approximately $4,420 more annually than the national average. The cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the higher salary translates to better purchasing power.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($43,420) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earn an average of $42,120 annually, which is $4,420 more than the national average salary of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The cost of living in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?
The job market is nearly as concentrated as the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.98, indicating a stable and consistent demand for cooks.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
There are approximately 1,170 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,170 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 9.199 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA