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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Washington
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Washington?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$76,010
Median Annual Salary
▲
+8.9% vs 2024
$74,670
Mean Salary
$76,010
Median Salary
$36.54
Hourly Rate
5,320 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in Washington
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington earn a median salary of $76,010 per year ($6,334/month).
This is 22.7% above the national average of $61,962.
Washington ranks #4 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 5,320 people work in this occupation across Washington.
Salaries increased by 8.9% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Chefs and Head Cooks
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Top Skills
Coordination
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Time Management
3.88
Active Listening
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Food Production
4.69
Customer and Personal Service
4.14
Production and Processing
4.04
Administration and Management
4.03
Personnel and Human Resources
3.96
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(51.7% of workers)
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington range from $49,920 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $95,990 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $58,650 and $81,540.
Median $76,010
P10: $49,920P25: $58,650P75: $81,540P90: $95,990
10th
$49,920
25th
$58,650
Median
$76,010
75th
$81,540
90th
$95,990
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$49,920
$24.00
$4,160
25th Percentile
$58,650
$28.20
$4,887
Median (50th)
$76,010
$36.54
$6,334
75th Percentile
$81,540
$39.20
$6,795
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$95,990
$46.15
$7,999
Note: The mean (average) salary of $74,670 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Washington?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington is $76,010 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $74,670.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington range from $49,920 at the 10th percentile to $95,990 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $58,650 and $81,540.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in Washington typically start around $49,920 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $58,650 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 5,320 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington is approximately $36.54 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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