Washington ranks 6th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $11,400 — a 16% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $49,920 to $97,970 — a $48,050 spread, 20% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Washington employs roughly 2.1% of all chefs and head cooks in the country (3,840 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $49,920 | $24.00 |
| 25th percentile | $55,710 | $26.79 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $69,800 | $33.56 |
| 75th percentile | $78,040 | $37.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $97,970 | $47.10 |
| Mean (average) | $71,430 | $34.34 |
How Washington Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Washington (current) | $69,800 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +16% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +13% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +10% |
| District of Columbia | $74,000 | +6% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | +2% |
| New Jersey | $69,660 | +0% |
| California | $66,780 | -4% |
| Delaware | $65,290 | -6% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Washington
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Interpreters and Translators | $69,620 | 1,620 |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | $70,050 | 3,380 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $70,260 | 14,220 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $70,310 | 3,710 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $70,360 | 7,100 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $69,060 | 1,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Washington?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in Washington is $71,430 per year. The median (middle) salary is $69,800 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in Washington typically earn around $49,920 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $55,710 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Washington?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Washington make approximately $97,970 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $78,040 per year.
How does the Washington Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in Washington is $69,800, which is +14% above national average of $60,990.