Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Walla Walla, WA
Cooks in Walla Walla, WA, earn an average annual salary of $40,190, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This localized premium is often influenced by the specific demands and operational costs within the Walla Walla region's culinary landscape, reflecting a unique market dynamic for food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,450.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks in Walla Walla, WA, appears robust, supported by a dedicated workforce of 290 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.19, indicating a concentration 19% higher than the national average, there is a clear and sustained demand for culinary talent in this area, suggesting a stable employment outlook.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Walla Walla, WA earns+6.6%above the national average.
$19.3
$773
$3,349
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Walla Walla, WA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing food costs, evolving consumer dining habits, and a competitive labor market seeking skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Walla Walla, WA
Career progression for Cooks in Walla Walla, WA, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. The variance in earnings across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as cooks gain expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,143 | $14.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,950 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,238 | $24.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,450 | $23.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Walla Walla, WA, the average annual salary of $40,190 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Walla Walla is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
11.192
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Walla Walla, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.19 for Cooks in Walla Walla, WA, signifies a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is more specialized and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, while also presenting more opportunities for cooks relative to other professions in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,260↑ 5% | 41 mi |
| Lewiston, ID-WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,100↓ 13% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Walla Walla, WA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Walla Walla, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Walla Walla, WA is $40,190. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $48,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Walla Walla, WA is 6.6% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Walla Walla, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with a slight advantage over the national average.Cooks in Walla Walla, WA, earn approximately $2,490 more annually than the national average. The local cost of living is also on par with the national average, making the higher salary translate effectively to purchasing power.
Is Walla Walla, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Walla Walla, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Walla Walla, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kennewick-Richland, WA ($42,260) and Lewiston, ID-WA.
How does the Walla Walla cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Walla Walla, WA, is $40,190, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of restaurant cooks in Walla Walla, WA?
Walla Walla, WA, has a concentration of restaurant cooks that is 19% higher than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.19.
How does the cost of living in Walla Walla, WA affect a cook's salary?
The cost of living in Walla Walla, WA, is exactly at the national average (100). This means the local salary of $40,190 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce number mean for cooks in Walla Walla?
With 290 Cooks in Walla Walla, WA, it indicates a substantial local presence of this profession, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities within the area's food service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Walla Walla, WA area with a job density of 11.192 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 Walla Walla, WA