Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Cooks in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $42,280. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $37,700, indicating a premium for culinary professionals in this region. The higher compensation is likely driven by the area's robust economy, higher cost of doing business, and demand for skilled kitchen staff in a competitive food service landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,270.
- Outlook: The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area boasts a substantial workforce of 30,860 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant. With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within this significant metropolitan hub.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+12.1%above the national average.
$20.3
$813
$3,523
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in the food service industry. This upward trajectory is often influenced by inflation, rising operational costs for businesses, and a sustained demand for dining experiences.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often fall into the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs and specialized cooks command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies significant career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential through skill development and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,600 | $15.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,710 | $15.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $42,050 | $20.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,850 | $25.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,270 | $23.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,280 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area aligns precisely with the national average 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, suggesting that the increased earnings are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
30,860
Total Jobs
9.894
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area shows a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is at least on par with, if not slightly exceeding, the national average, making it a competitive but potentially rewarding environment for culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,150↓ 12% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,230↓ 10% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,230↓ 12% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,480↓ 21% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,650↓ 18% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $42,280. This typically ranges from $31,600 for entry-level positions to $49,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 12.1% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers a slightly more lucrative environment.Cooks in this area earn approximately $4,580 more annually than the national average. While the Cost of Living is also at the national average, the higher nominal salary provides a modest advantage.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($37,150) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the number of cooks in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare nationally?
With 30,860 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant, this metropolitan area represents a significant portion of the national workforce in this profession, indicating a substantial culinary sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.05 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 1.05 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is 5% higher than the national average, suggesting a slightly stronger presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living impact the cook's salary in this area?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly average nationally. Therefore, the higher average salary of $42,280 effectively translates to a comparable standard of living to the national average, despite the higher nominal pay.
Are there many job opportunities for cooks in this region?
The combination of a large workforce and a Location Quotient slightly above average suggests a robust and active job market for Cooks, Restaurant in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30,860 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 9.894 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV