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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Washington

Cooks in Washington State are earning an average annual salary of $44,860, significantly outpacing the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation is likely driven by Washington's robust economy and the specific demands of its culinary sector, reflecting a greater need for skilled kitchen professionals in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,860 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,080.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 34,790 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.04, Washington demonstrates a healthy and slightly above-average concentration of these roles. This indicates a stable job market where demand for culinary talent is consistent with, and slightly exceeds, national levels, suggesting good opportunities for employment.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,860

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Washington earns+19.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.6

Weekly

$863

Monthly

$3,738

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for Cooks in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth potential and increased earning capacity.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,280$17.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$33,645$16.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$44,980$21.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$56,075$27
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$56,080$27

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,860

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,975

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $44,860 in Washington State needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the increased cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat moderated. Prospective residents should factor in higher expenses for housing, goods, and services when evaluating the true financial benefit of relocating.

Job Market Context

34,790

Total Jobs

9.828

Per 1K Jobs

1.04

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.04, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.04 indicates that Washington has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive but accessible market, where the demand for these professionals is robust and well-established, offering a good balance for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$47,150↑ 5%42 mi
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,430↓ 5%54 mi
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,420↓ 3%58 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,120↓ 6%70 mi
Yakima, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$40,480↓ 10%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Washington is $44,860. This typically ranges from $36,280 for entry-level positions to $56,080 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 19.0% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, Washington offers a more lucrative environment for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $44,860 is notably higher than the national average, and the job market shows a slightly above-average concentration of these roles.

Is Washington a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($47,150) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

How does Washington's cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Washington earn an average of $44,860 annually, which is approximately $7,160 more than the national average of $37,700.

What is the total number of restaurant cooks employed in Washington?

There are approximately 34,790 Cooks, Restaurant employed within Washington State.

How does the cost of living in Washington affect a cook's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the actual purchasing power is reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Is the job market for cooks saturated in Washington?

The Location Quotient of 1.04 suggests a slightly higher concentration of cooks than the national average, indicating a healthy but potentially competitive job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 34,790 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 9.828 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington