Creative & Education Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Chef Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median chef salary in Seattle, WA is $83,650 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$83,650
vs State Avg
+$18,652
vs National
+$27,130
Cost of Living
148%

Chef Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median chef salary of $83,650, which is $18,652 above the Washington state average of $64,998. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $83,650 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chefs in Seattle spans from $49,136 at the 10th percentile to $144,744 at the 90th percentile — a $95,608 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,240. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chef Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level chef earns around $51,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,800
+$16,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,880
+$26,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,240
+$42,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $49,136
25th Percentile $62,456
Median (50th) $83,650
75th Percentile $111,000
90th Percentile $144,744

Chef Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$85,910
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$62,172
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$57,650
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$51,998
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Chef in Seattle

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Seattle and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Seattle

Browse open chef positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Seattle

How much does a Chef make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median chef salary in Seattle, Washington is $83,650 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $49,136 (10th percentile) to $144,744 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,650, a chef in Seattle earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for chef pay? ▼
Seattle's median chef salary of $83,650 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $64,998. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $83,650 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Seattle? ▼
Most chef positions in Seattle require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.