SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Yakima, WA

Cooks in Yakima, WA, earn an average annual salary of $40,480, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This localized pay differential is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Yakima's culinary sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,290.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 730 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.79, Yakima presents a moderately concentrated but stable job market for these professionals. The presence of 7.447 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent demand, indicating a robust environment for culinary employment.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,480

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Yakima, WA earns+7.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.5

Weekly

$778

Monthly

$3,373

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Yakima, WA

Career progression for Cooks in Yakima, WA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,140$16.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,360$14.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,850$18.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$50,600$24.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,290$22.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,480

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,480 in Yakima, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Yakima is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

730

Total Jobs

7.447

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Yakima, WA has 0.79x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Yakima is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and in demand, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,430↑ 5%59 mi
Kennewick-Richland, WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,260↑ 4%71 mi
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,510↑ 5%71 mi
Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$41,730↑ 3%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Yakima, WA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Yakima, WA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Yakima, WA is $40,480. This typically ranges from $34,140 for entry-level positions to $47,290 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Yakima, WA is 7.4% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Yakima, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, moderately so.Cooks in Yakima earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.

Is Yakima, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Yakima, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Yakima, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($42,430) and Kennewick-Richland, WA.

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

Cooks in Yakima, WA, earn an average of $40,480 annually, which is approximately $2,780 more than the national average of $37,700.

What is the cost of living in Yakima, WA for cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Yakima, WA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.

How many restaurant cooks are employed in Yakima, WA?

There are approximately 730 Cooks, Restaurant employed within Yakima, WA, representing a local workforce concentration slightly below the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.79 mean for cooks in Yakima?

A Location Quotient of 0.79 signifies that the proportion of restaurant cooks in Yakima's workforce is 21% lower than the national average, suggesting a less concentrated but still present 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 730 employees in the Yakima, WA area with a job density of 7.447 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 Yakima, WA