Creative & Education Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Chef Salary in Washington

The median chef salary in Washington is $64,998 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$64,998
vs National
+$8,478
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Chef Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level chef earns around $40,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,250
+$5,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,400
+$8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
+$13,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $38,180
25th Percentile $48,530
Median (50th) $64,998
75th Percentile $86,250
90th Percentile $112,470

Major Cities for Chefs in Washington

The largest employment areas for chefs in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Seattle, WA
Metro area for chef employment
Spokane, WA
Metro area for chef employment
Tacoma, WA
Metro area for chef employment
Bellevue, WA
Metro area for chef employment
Vancouver, WA
Metro area for chef employment

How to Become a Chef in Washington

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Washington has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in Washington

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Washington's demand may vary based on local industry trends.