Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Food Preparation Workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an average annual salary of $42,840, significantly surpassing the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is often driven by the region's robust economy and a higher demand for skilled labor in the food service industry, reflecting the unique economic landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,730.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,930 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a stable and consistent demand for these roles, suggesting a healthy job market without extreme oversupply or undersupply.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+26.7%above the national average.
$20.6
$824
$3,570
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these essential workers.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized skills, such as supervisory duties or advanced culinary techniques, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,130 | $15.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $41,980 | $20.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,550 | $25.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $52,730 | $25.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,840 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national 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 equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
11,930
Total Jobs
5.726
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.99x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers 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 0.99 indicates that the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is nearly identical to the national average. This suggests a balanced labor market where the number of available jobs closely matches the number of workers, implying moderate competition and stable employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,390↓ 6% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,150↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,500↓ 10% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,360↓ 6% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $41,370↓ 3% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $42,840. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $52,730 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 26.7% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it is a moderately lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $42,840 is notably higher than the national average. However, this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, meaning the increased pay offers standard purchasing power.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($40,390) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue job market compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
The job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.99. This indicates a comparable concentration of these roles relative to the overall workforce.
What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $42,840.
Does the higher salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue translate to better purchasing power?
While the nominal salary is higher, the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), meaning the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?
There are approximately 11,930 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,930 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 5.726 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA