Cook Salary in Kent, WA
Cooks in Kent, WA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.84 per hour, which translates to about $793.60 per week, $3,438.93 per month, and $41,267.20 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Kent is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating positive job prospects and a steady increase in opportunities within the culinary industry locally.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Kent, WA?
The salary of a Cook in Kent adjusts based on experience level and workplace, with typical earnings distributed as follows:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.85 | $674.00 | $2,918.67 | $35,048.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.84 | $793.60 | $3,438.93 | $41,267.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.36 | $934.40 | $4,040.53 | $48,588.80 |
Do Cooks in Kent Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips since their role is focused on food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their compensation is generally based on wages without tip income.
Cook Salary in Kent vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of about $16.12 per hour, which translates to roughly $33,529.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Kent earn approximately $19.84 per hour and $41,267.20 annually, which is notably higher. This difference may reflect local living costs and demand within Washington State's culinary sector.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kent for Cooks
Nearby cities offer varying salary opportunities for Cooks:
- Seattle: $23.54 per hour
- Bellevue: $23.03 per hour
These areas tend to offer higher pay, likely due to larger populations and more upscale dining establishments.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Kent?
The salary of a Cook in Kent can be influenced by several factors:
- Experience and Expertise: More years on the job and specialized skills typically boost earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants or specialized cuisine caterers tend to pay more than fast food or casual dining.
- Work Shift and Hours: Evening or weekend shifts might include differential pay rates.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary training and recognized certifications can increase salary prospects.
- Local Demand and Economic Conditions: Growing demand within Kent’s foodservice market supports competitive wages.
How To Become a Cook in Kent
To pursue a career as a Cook in Kent, consider these steps:
- Complete Culinary Skills Apprenticeship: A 10-week, 160-hour part-time program by Project Feast combines classroom and kitchen training, preparing apprentices for culinary careers locally.
- Attend Culinary Career Workshops: Project Feast offers week-long workshops focusing on culinary job skills, ideal for immigrants, refugees, and English language learners.
- Obtain Certifications: The Washington Food Worker Card is mandatory for food handlers statewide. The American Culinary Federation Fundamental Cook (CFC) certification demonstrates essential culinary skills and can be earned through programs such as those at Kent Career Technical Center.
- Gain Hands-on Experience: Seek entry-level positions in kitchens or catering services to build practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Kent
Some notable employers hiring Cooks in Kent include:
- Cascade Living Group
- Pizza Hut
- City of Kent
Establishments That Cooks in Kent Work At
Cooks find employment in a range of establishments, including:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Often offering a fast-paced environment with volume-driven pay.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: These may provide more structured shifts and potential for higher wages.
- Fine Dining and Specialty Restaurants: May offer higher salaries reflecting the specialized skills required.
- Institutional Kitchens: Such as schools or corporate cafeterias, where pay and hours can vary widely.
The type of establishment greatly affects a Cook's income potential, with fine dining generally paying the highest wages and casual establishments offering moderate compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kent for Cooks
If you are considering other careers similar to that of a Cook, here are a few related roles you might explore:
These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Chef de Partie positions, all within the culinary field and offering varying salary ranges and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Kent
Cooks should be knowledgeable about the following Washington State resources concerning labor laws and workplace regulations:
- Visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website to learn about professional licensing and industry regulations.
- For labor laws, workplace safety, and workers' rights information, consult the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website.