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 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
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:
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.