Creative & Education Tacoma, WA
Pop. 219,346
Chef Salary in Tacoma, Washington
The median chef salary in Tacoma, WA is $62,172 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.
City Median
$62,172
vs State Avg
$-2,826
vs National
+$5,652
Cost of Living
110%
Chef Salary in Tacoma by Experience
In Tacoma, an entry-level chef earns around $38,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,800
+$8,800 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA
| Percentile | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,420 |
| Median (50th) | $62,172 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,580 |
Chef Salary in Other Washington Cities
How to Become a Chef in Tacoma
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Tacoma 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 Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Tacoma
Browse open chef positions in Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Tacoma
How much does a Chef make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median chef salary in Tacoma, Washington is $62,172 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $36,520 (10th percentile) to $107,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,172, a chef in Tacoma earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for chef pay? ▼
Tacoma's median chef salary of $62,172 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $64,998. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $62,172 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Tacoma? ▼
Most chef positions in Tacoma 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.