Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $42,510, significantly outpacing the national average of $37,700. This elevated compensation reflects the region's specific labor market dynamics and potentially higher demand for skilled culinary professionals compared to national trends. The concentration of these roles within the local workforce further underscores this localized pay premium.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,110.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 1,840 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.51, the job market in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas indicates a robust demand for these professionals. A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies a higher concentration of these jobs locally than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing sector that actively seeks to employ individuals in this role.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earns+12.8%above the national average.
$20.4
$818
$3,543
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive upward salary adjustments for skilled positions like cooks.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan area typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,300 | $17 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,883 | $15.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $40,150 | $19.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,138 | $25.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $55,110 | $26.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,510 in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the higher nominal wage effectively translates to a comparable standard of living without significant financial advantage or disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,840
Total Jobs
14.252
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area 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 1.51 for Cooks, Restaurant in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan area strongly suggests a competitive and abundant job market. This figure indicates that the region employs 51% more cooks per capita than the national average, implying a higher demand and potentially more job openings relative to the available workforce, making it an attractive area for those seeking employment in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $47,150↑ 11% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,430↓ 0% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,420↑ 2% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,120↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,480↓ 5% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is $42,510. This typically ranges from $35,300 for entry-level positions to $55,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 12.8% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers a more lucrative environment for Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average.The average salary of $42,510 is significantly higher than the national average, and the strong Location Quotient of 1.51 indicates a concentrated demand for these roles in the region.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($47,150) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan area earn an average of $42,510 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this area?
The area has a high concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.51, meaning there are 51% more such jobs locally than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $42,510 provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this region?
There are approximately 1,840 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,840 employees in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 14.252 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area