Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Washington (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
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Overview
The median wage for chefs and head cooks in Washington is $76,010 per year (gross, before tax) — 21.7% above the US national median of $62,470 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 5,000 people work in this occupation in Washington. Negotiating an offer in Washington? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
Washington Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $49,920 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $58,650 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $76,010 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $81,540 | Experienced |
| 90th | $95,990 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
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Start $1 Trial →How Washington Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $79,930 | +27.9% |
| Hawaii | $77,360 | +23.8% |
| District of Columbia | $76,420 | +22.3% |
| Washington | $76,010 | +21.7% |
| North Dakota | $74,740 | +19.6% |
| New Jersey | $74,280 | +18.9% |
| Wyoming | $73,170 | +17.1% |
| South Carolina | $71,860 | +15.0% |
| New York | $70,670 | +13.1% |
| Tennessee | $69,810 | +11.7% |
All states for chefs and head cooks →
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a chefs and head cooks in Washington?
The median salary in Washington is $76,010 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $74,670.
How does Washington pay compare to the US national average?
Washington is 21.7% above the US national median of $62,470 for this occupation.
Which US state pays chefs and head cooks the most?
Rhode Island has the highest median pay for this occupation at $79,930 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25