Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Washington
Short Order Cooks in Washington State earn an average annual salary of $44,170, significantly exceeding the national average of $35,650. This higher compensation is likely driven by Washington's robust economy and potentially higher operational costs for businesses within the state, necessitating competitive wages to attract and retain skilled culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,610 Short Order Cooks, Washington presents a moderate employment landscape for this role. The Location Quotient of 0.47 indicates that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. This balance can be favorable for job seekers looking for opportunities without intense competition.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Washington earns+23.9%above the national average.
$21.2
$849
$3,681
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Short Order Cooks in Washington have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for dining services and a rising cost of living typically push wages upward, indicating a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for Short Order Cooks in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The variance in salaries across different experience levels, often reflected in percentile data, clearly signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $37,430 | $18 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $33,128 | $15.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $46,010 | $22.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $55,213 | $26.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,070 | $23.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,375
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The nominal average salary of $44,170 in Washington State must be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, means that while the gross salary is higher, the purchasing power of that income is somewhat diminished by the increased cost of goods and services, particularly housing.
Job Market Context
1,610
Total Jobs
0.456
Per 1K Jobs
0.47
Location Quotient
At 0.47x, Washington has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.47 suggests that Short Order Cooks are less concentrated in Washington State compared to the national average. This could imply that while the demand for these professionals exists, the supply might be relatively lower, potentially leading to more competitive hiring environments for employers and better opportunities for skilled cooks seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $45,360↑ 3% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $41,710↓ 6% | 54 mi |
| Yakima, WA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $38,780↓ 12% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Washington is $44,170. This typically ranges from $37,430 for entry-level positions to $48,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 23.9% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, with caveats.Washington offers a higher average salary for Short Order Cooks than the national average. However, the elevated cost of living means that the real purchasing power of this salary is somewhat reduced compared to lower-cost states.
Is Washington a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($45,360) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
What is the average hourly wage for a Short Order Cook in Washington?
Based on the average annual salary of $44,170, the estimated average hourly wage for a Short Order Cook in Washington is approximately $21.24, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.
How does experience affect a Short Order Cook's salary in Washington?
Experience is a significant factor; entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience and advanced culinary skills can command higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles.
Are there many job openings for Short Order Cooks in Washington?
With 0.456 jobs per 1,000 workers, the number of openings is moderate, indicating a steady demand for Short Order Cooks within the state's workforce.
How does Washington's cost of living compare to the national average for cooks?
Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average, which impacts the effective take-home pay for cooks.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,610 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.456 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington