Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
In Washington State, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $45,690. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a premium for these roles within the state. This higher compensation is likely influenced by a combination of factors unique to Washington's economic landscape and labor market demands.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,390.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 295,060 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Washington demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of workers indicates a robust and active job market, implying consistent demand for these essential roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington earns+27.1%above the national average.
$22
$879
$3,808
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 Washington have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory in compensation is often driven by increasing labor costs, demand for skilled workers, and a competitive job market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington typically correlates with increased earnings. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,580 | $16.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,268 | $16.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $41,330 | $19.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $57,113 | $27.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $61,390 | $29.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,696
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $45,690 in Washington State presents a mixed picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is attractive and exceeds the national average, the cost of living being 15.1% higher than the national average means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost regions.
Job Market Context
295,060
Total Jobs
83.359
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.94x 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 0.94 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington indicates that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where opportunities exist, but perhaps not to the same degree of saturation as in some other states.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington is $45,690. This typically ranges from $34,580 for entry-level positions to $61,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 27.1% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for these roles.The average salary of $45,690 significantly exceeds the national average, providing a strong financial incentive despite a higher cost of living.
Is Washington a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
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 ($48,040) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's average salary compare to the national average for this occupation?
The average annual salary in Washington for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is $45,690, which is substantially higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the job market like for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington?
Washington has a large workforce in this sector (295,060) with a Location Quotient of 0.94, indicating a solid presence and consistent demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Washington affect the salary for these roles?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the real purchasing power is impacted by the increased cost of goods and services.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers in this field in Washington?
Yes, Washington has approximately 83.36 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, reflecting a notable presence in the state's employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 295,060 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 83.359 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 Washington