📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in Washington (2026)

Washington · 25.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$45,350
per year
Median
$41,600
per year
Hourly
$21.8
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$32,100
25th Percentile — Junior$39,100
50th Percentile — Median$41,600
75th Percentile — Senior$54,850
90th Percentile — Top Earners$60,122
💡 Top-earning Institution and Cafeteria Cooks in Washington make up to $60,122 per year. The job market in Washington is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$40.1k
2021
$41.1k
2022
$42.1k
2023
$43.2k
2024
$44.2k
2025
$45.4k
2026
📈 Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries in Washington have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Washington's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary by City in Washington
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Seattle $62,583 +38.0% High
Spokane $45,350 +0.0% High
Tacoma $54,420 +20.0% High
🔍
Institution and Cafeteria Cook Job Market in Washington
Key factors affecting compensation

Washington is home to a very strong job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $45,350 per year, Washington's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Washington (index: 1.25) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Washington can expect to earn $32,100–$39,100, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $54,850–$60,122.

Looking ahead, the Institution and Cafeteria Cook profession in Washington is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in Washington is $45,350 per year in 2026, which is 25.0% above the national average of $36,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in Washington due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Washington has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
  • At $45,350/year, Washington Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average of $36,280/year.