Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Cooks in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an average annual salary of $47,150, significantly higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated compensation is often driven by the region's robust economy and a higher cost of living, necessitating greater pay to attract and retain skilled culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,340.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 19,820 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue demonstrates a healthy concentration of these roles, closely mirroring national averages. This indicates a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent within the region, suggesting a robust employment landscape for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+25.1%above the national average.
$22.7
$907
$3,929
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally consistent with broader economic patterns and inflation, reflecting an increasing demand for skilled labor and a potential rise in the cost of living that employers must address through competitive compensation.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $39,170 | $18.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $35,363 | $17 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $46,180 | $22.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $58,938 | $28.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,340 | $27.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,150 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, as the cost of goods and services in the region is also at the national average.
Job Market Context
19,820
Total Jobs
9.515
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.01 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is very slightly above the national average. This indicates a market that is neither overly saturated nor significantly lacking in this profession, implying a balanced competitive environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,420↓ 8% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,510↓ 10% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,730↓ 11% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,120↓ 11% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,310↓ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $47,150. This typically ranges from $39,170 for entry-level positions to $57,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 25.1% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, moderately.The average salary is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, suggesting good earning potential. The job market also shows a healthy concentration of these roles.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($43,420) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn an average of $47,150 annually, which is $9,450 more than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job market like for Cooks in this region?
The region has a substantial workforce of 19,820 Cooks, Restaurant, with a concentration (Location Quotient) very close to the national average, indicating a stable demand.
Does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's the same as the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $47,150 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
There are approximately 9.515 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 19,820 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 9.515 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA