Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Washington
Chefs and Head Cooks in Washington earn a median of $76,010 a year, +22% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $76,010
- vs. U.S. median
- +22% ($62,470)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 5,320
Pay range in Washington
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $49,920; the top 10% earn over $95,990. Nationally the range is $37,900 to $98,560.
States ranked near Washington
Similar jobs in Washington
- Food Service Managers$95,190 median in Washington
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$59,400 median in Washington
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$63,550 median in Washington
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$49,670 median in Washington
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$51,670 median in Washington
- Cooks, Restaurant$46,800 median in Washington
Chefs and Head Cooks pay in Washington
How much do chefs and head cooks make in Washington?
The median is $76,010 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $49,920 and the top 10% earn over $95,990. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Washington a good state for chefs and head cooks?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 51 (+22% vs. the national median of $62,470). Living costs are not included.