Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
In Bellingham, WA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $43,670. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a robust local demand and potentially higher operational costs influencing compensation. The specific economic landscape and consumer spending habits within Bellingham likely contribute to this elevated pay scale for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,490.
- Outlook: Bellingham boasts a substantial local workforce of 9,120 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.14, this sector is more concentrated in Bellingham than the national average, suggesting a strong and established presence. The rate of 100.259 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significant employment opportunities available in this field within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bellingham, WA earns+21.4%above the national average.
$21
$840
$3,639
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bellingham have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for skilled labor, and evolving industry standards likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bellingham typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The observable gaps between salary percentiles signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as individuals gain more experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,440 | $16.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,753 | $15.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,320 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,588 | $26.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,490 | $27.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,670 in Bellingham aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard. Residents can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a rate consistent with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
9,120
Total Jobs
100.259
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.14, Bellingham demonstrates a higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure and retain talent, while also indicating a healthy demand for these services within the local economy.
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Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bellingham, WA is $43,670. This typically ranges from $34,440 for entry-level positions to $57,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 21.4% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, Bellingham, WA offers a lucrative environment for these roles.The average salary of $43,670 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($44,140) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the Bellingham salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bellingham, WA is $43,670, which is notably higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of food preparation jobs in Bellingham?
Bellingham has a higher concentration of these jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.14, meaning the sector is more prevalent there than the national average.
Does experience impact salary in Bellingham's food service industry?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with senior and specialized positions typically earning significantly more than entry-level roles, reflecting career progression.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Bellingham?
The cost of living in Bellingham is at the national average (100), meaning the higher nominal salary of $43,670 offers purchasing power consistent with the national standard.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,120 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 100.259 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA