Restaurant Cook Salary in District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia · 52.0% above national average · High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $88,443 | +52.0% | High |
District of Columbia is home to a very strong job market for Restaurant Cooks. The state's key industries — Government, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $58,186 per year, District of Columbia's Restaurant Cook salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in District of Columbia (index: 1.52) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in District of Columbia can expect to earn $39,414–$49,446, while experienced Restaurant Cooks can command $72,018–$80,101.
Looking ahead, the Restaurant Cook profession in District of Columbia is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Restaurant Cook salary in District of Columbia?The average Restaurant Cook salary in District of Columbia is $58,186 per year in 2026, which is 52.0% above the national average of $38,280.
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What city in District of Columbia pays Restaurant Cooks the most?Major metro areas typically pay Restaurant Cooks the highest wages in District of Columbia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is District of Columbia a good state for Restaurant Cooks?District of Columbia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Restaurant Cook employment.
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How does District of Columbia Restaurant Cook salary compare to the US average?At $58,186/year, District of Columbia Restaurant Cook salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average of $38,280/year.