How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Washington
Cooks, Restaurants in Washington earn a median salary of $44,980/year, which is 22% above the national average. Washington has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,770/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Washington
Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Washington
Meet education requirements
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Washington typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Washington. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many cooks, restaurant positions in Washington require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Washington licensure or certification
Washington may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the Washington Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Washington
Washington employs 34,790 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue and Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard.
Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Washington
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $46K | $22.2/hr | 19,820 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $44K | $21.15/hr | 1,150 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $43K | $20.83/hr | 630 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $42K | $20.36/hr | 730 |
| Bellingham | $41K | $19.83/hr | 1,110 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $39K | $18.91/hr | 1,130 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $39K | $18.83/hr | 1,170 |
| Yakima | $38K | $18.2/hr | 730 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $38K | $18.13/hr | 2,650 |
| Longview-Kelso | $37K | $18.01/hr | 340 |
| Walla Walla | $37K | $17.76/hr | 290 |
Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Washington
Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Washington?▼
The median cooks, restaurant salary in Washington is $44,980 per year ($21.63/hr). This is 22% above the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $36,280 to $56,080.
What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Washington?▼
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Washington typically require No formal educational credential. Washington may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Washington licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Washington?▼
At the median salary of $44,980, a cooks, restaurant in Washington would take home approximately $3,182/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 44.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Washington?▼
The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Washington are Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($46,180), Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard ($44,000), Mount Vernon-Anacortes ($43,320). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Washington have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?▼
No, Washington does not have a state income tax. This means cooks, restaurants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.