Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Cooks in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $41,870, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation reflects the region's specific economic dynamics and demand for skilled culinary professionals. The local market's unique characteristics contribute to this elevated pay scale for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,790.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area boasts a substantial workforce of 11,970 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a significant presence in the local job market. With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, suggesting a robust and stable demand for culinary talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+11.1%above the national average.
$20.1
$805
$3,489
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in metropolitan areas like Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro tend to experience steady growth. This upward trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for restaurants, and a consistent demand for experienced kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities and increased earning potential within the culinary field.
| 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) | $31,403 | $15.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $39,260 | $18.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,338 | $25.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,790 | $23.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,870 for Cooks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by a cook in this region holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
11,970
Total Jobs
9.86
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area shows a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet stable job market where demand is consistent, and there is a healthy number of opportunities available for qualified individuals in the culinary sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,330↓ 6% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,640↓ 3% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,380↓ 11% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,110↓ 11% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,550↓ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $41,870. This typically ranges from $35,630 for entry-level positions to $48,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 11.1% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers slightly above-average earnings.Cooks in this region earn approximately $4,170 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes it a financially stable location for the profession.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($39,330) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The average annual salary for a Cook in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area is $41,870.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro ($41,870) is higher than the national average ($37,700) by approximately $4,170 annually.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is 1.05, indicating a slightly higher concentration than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary translates directly to equivalent purchasing power 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 11,970 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 9.86 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA