Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an impressive average annual salary of $48,040. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs that drive compensation. The vibrant economic landscape of this region likely contributes to this elevated pay scale for essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,820.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 167,660 individuals in this sector and a Location Quotient of 0.91, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area demonstrates a robust job market for food preparation and serving roles. While slightly below the national concentration average, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (80.503) suggests consistent demand and employment opportunities within this dynamic region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+33.6%above the national average.
$23.1
$924
$4,003
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 the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Economic expansion, inflation, and increasing labor costs nationally and regionally typically lead to upward salary adjustments in most sectors, including the food service industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, supervisors, and specialized roles command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and specialization.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,710 | $17.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $36,030 | $17.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $44,690 | $21.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $60,050 | $28.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $63,820 | $30.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,040 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns precisely 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, suggesting that the increased earnings are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
167,660
Total Jobs
80.503
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.91x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 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 0.91 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure talent, but also implies that the job market is not oversaturated, providing a stable environment for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $48,040. This typically ranges from $35,710 for entry-level positions to $63,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 33.6% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.The average salary of $48,040 is significantly higher than the national average. While the cost of living matches the national average, the higher nominal wage provides a strong earning potential for these roles.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($44,230) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $48,040, which is considerably higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Cost of Living Index for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the higher salaries are offset by comparable living expenses.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation and Serving market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The market has a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a healthy and competitive job market.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for this role in Seattle?
With 80.503 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area shows a strong presence and consistent demand for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 167,660 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 80.503 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA