Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA
Cooks in the Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA area earn an average annual salary of $42,430, notably exceeding the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the specific demands and economic conditions within the local hospitality sector, reflecting a localized premium for culinary professionals in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,900.
- Outlook: The Wenatchee-East Wenatchee area supports a robust culinary workforce, with 730 Cooks employed locally. A Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for restaurant cooks within this specific metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA earns+12.5%above the national average.
$20.4
$816
$3,536
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing demand for skilled kitchen staff in the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA
Salary progression for Cooks 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, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,823 | $15.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $42,360 | $20.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,038 | $25.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,900 | $24 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $42,430 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Cooks in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee find their earnings hold their purchasing power effectively. This means the local salary offers a comparable standard of living to the national average, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
730
Total Jobs
14.094
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA has 1.5x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.5 for Cooks in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee signifies a market where this profession is 50% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment with potentially more job opportunities but also a higher density of skilled workers vying for those positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,510↑ 0% | 54 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,730↓ 2% | 54 mi |
| Yakima, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,480↓ 5% | 59 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $47,150↑ 11% | 94 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA is $42,430. This typically ranges from $36,100 for entry-level positions to $49,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA is 12.5% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee earn approximately $4,730 more annually than the national average. Combined with a cost of living that is on par with the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for culinary professionals.
Is Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($42,510) and Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local cooks compare to the national average?
With 14.094 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration of Cooks in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee?
An LQ of 1.5 means that the proportion of Cooks employed in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee is 50% greater than the national average, highlighting a specialized demand for these roles in the local economy.
Does the cost of living impact the value of a Cook's salary in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee?
No, the cost of living in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee is exactly at the national average (100). This means the average salary of $42,430 provides a standard of living equivalent to the national average.
How many Cooks are employed in Wenatchee-East Wenatchee?
There are approximately 730 Cooks employed within the Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 730 employees in the Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA area with a job density of 14.094 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 Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA