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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chef and Head Cook in Washington is $38,862 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Chef and Head Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chef and Head Cook Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $41,895 | $3,491 | $806 | $20 |
| Average | $38,862 | $3,239 | $747 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,125 | $3,010 | $695 | $17 |
A Chef and Head Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chef and Head Cook's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chef and Head Cook | $37,715 |
| Intermediate Level Chef and Head Cook | $38,231 |
| Senior Level Chef and Head Cook | $39,157 |
| Specialist Level Chef and Head Cook | $39,284 |
| Expert Level Chef and Head Cook | $39,494 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chef and Head Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Chef and Head Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Chef and Head Cook positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chef and Head Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $50,521 | $24.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $40,806 | $20.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Chef and Head Cook's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $41,895 | $3,491 | $806 | $20 |
| Average | $38,862 | $3,239 | $747 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,125 | $3,010 | $695 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chef and Head Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
JOEY Restaurant Group
Bellevue, WA
Columbia Industries
Kennewick, WA
Columbia Industries | Kennewick, WA
Job Description. Job Description. The Head Chef / Kitchen Manager oversees all culinary operations within the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery, ensuring... more
1 Day Ago
Lindblad Expeditions
Seattle, WA
Lindblad Expeditions | Seattle, WA
Job Description. Job Description. WHO WE ARE. Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antar... more
3 Days Ago
JOEY Restaurants
Seattle, WA
JOEY Restaurants | Seattle, WA
Head Sous Chef - JOEY University Village. Share Apply Full-time $80,500.00 - 85,000.00 per year. Actual salary offer within the listed range may vary based... more
1 Day Ago
Gecko Hospitality
Vancouver, WA
Gecko Hospitality | Vancouver, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Join Our Team as Head Chef – Premium Asian and Sushi Experience. We are a vibrant, high-volume Asian and Sushi concept kn... more
4 Days Ago
Gecko Hospitality
Vancouver, WA
Gecko Hospitality | Vancouver, WA
Gecko Hospitality - - Responsibilities: Lead kitchen operations and manage daily production across sushi, hot kitchen, and prep areas. Drive menu innovatio... more
3 Days Ago
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