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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Short Order Cooks in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $37,680. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $35,650, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a higher demand contribute to this elevated compensation. The specific economic landscape of the region plays a crucial role in shaping pay rates for this vital hospitality role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,100.
  • Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area boasts a robust job market for Short Order Cooks, with a local workforce of 1,890 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.59 indicates a significant concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling strong demand and a potentially stable employment outlook for skilled cooks in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,680

The average Cooks, Short Order in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+5.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.1

Weekly

$725

Monthly

$3,140

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Career progression for Short Order Cooks typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this clear career ladder, rewarding dedication and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$32,910$15.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,260$13.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,600$18.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,100$22.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,100$20.7

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,680 for Short Order Cooks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by cooks in this area has the same purchasing power as the national average, offering a stable financial baseline for residents.

Job Market Context

1,890

Total Jobs

1.554

Per 1K Jobs

1.59

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.59, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area demonstrates a higher concentration of Short Order Cooks than the national average. This suggests a more competitive or at least a more abundant job market for these professionals, potentially leading to more opportunities but also requiring cooks to stand out to secure desirable positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $37,680. This typically ranges from $32,910 for entry-level positions to $43,100 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 5.7% higher than the national median of $35,650.

Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Order?

Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.Short Order Cooks in this area earn approximately $1,000 more annually than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a stable earning environment.

Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($35,060) and Albany, OR.

How does the local workforce size impact job prospects for Short Order Cooks in Portland?

A local workforce of 1,890 indicates a substantial presence of Short Order Cooks, suggesting a healthy demand for these roles within the region's hospitality sector.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.59 mean for Short Order Cooks in Portland?

A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies that Short Order Cooks are more concentrated in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro than the national average, indicating a stronger local industry presence for this occupation.

Does the Cost of Living in Portland affect the value of a Short Order Cook's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average, meaning the $37,680 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.

Are there many job openings for Short Order Cooks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?

The combination of a high Location Quotient and a significant local workforce suggests a robust market with numerous opportunities for Short Order Cooks.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,890 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 1.554 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.