Cook Salary in Vancouver, WA
Cooks in Vancouver, WA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.95 per hour, which translates to about $798.00 per week, $3,458.00 per month, and $41,496.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Vancouver is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive job outlook and expanding opportunities in the area.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Vancouver, WA?
The salary of a Cook in Vancouver varies by experience level and expertise. Here is a breakdown of the typical earnings at different stages of a Cook's career:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.66 | $666.40 | $2,882.93 | $34,595.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.95 | $798.00 | $3,458.00 | $41,496.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.51 | $1,140.40 | $4,933.73 | $59,300.80 |
Do Cooks in Vancouver Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is usually behind the scenes in the kitchen rather than direct customer service. Their earnings primarily come from their hourly wage or salary.
Cook Salary in Vancouver vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.10 per hour, which equals about $33,488 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Vancouver earn more, with an hourly wage of about $19.95 and a yearly salary of $41,496.
This difference can be due to regional cost of living, demand for culinary professionals, and local employer standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Vancouver for Cooks
Certain areas near Vancouver offer higher wages for Cooks:
- Downtown Vancouver: $21.50 per hour
- Cascade Park: $20.75 per hour
These nearby neighborhoods might provide better pay opportunities for those willing to commute.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Vancouver?
Several factors influence the earnings of a Cook in Vancouver:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks or those with specialized culinary skills usually command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in high-end restaurants or hotels often offers better pay compared to casual or fast-food venues.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary education and food safety certifications can increase earning potential.
- Shift Types and Hours: Evening or weekend shifts may provide shift differential pay.
- Local Market Demand: Areas with higher demand for culinary professionals can push wages up.
How To Become a Cook in Vancouver
To start a career as a Cook in Vancouver, consider the following steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Fort Vancouver High School offer hands-on training including food production and safety fundamentals.
- Attend Local Colleges: The Clark College Culinary Arts Program provides comprehensive culinary training and opportunities for college credits.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Such as the WA State Food Handlers Card required statewide and the nationally recognized ServSafe Certification, which demonstrate food safety knowledge.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working in various food service establishments helps develop culinary skills and work professionalism.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Vancouver
Some of the notable employers recruiting Cooks in Vancouver include:
- Vancouver Public Schools
- PeaceHealth
- Watermark Retirement Communities
- Hilton
- Brookdale Senior Living
Establishments That Cooks in Vancouver Work At
Cooks commonly find employment in a variety of settings, including:
- Casual Restaurants: Often offer reliable hours but moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Venues: Typically faster pace with similar or slightly lower pay.
- Hotels and Resorts: Tend to pay more due to the scale and clientele served.
- Retirement Communities and Care Facilities: Provide steady work with potential benefits, possibly moderate pay.
The type of establishment has a strong impact on salary, with upscale or specialized venues often paying higher than fast-food or casual dining.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Vancouver for Cooks
If you’re interested in careers related to Cook, here are some similar roles you might consider:
These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Commis Chef, which share culinary and kitchen responsibilities with varying levels of skill and specialization.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Vancouver
Cooks should stay informed on labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and safeguard their rights.
- Learn about state-specific workplace regulations on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website.
- Federal labor laws and standards are detailed on the Department of Labor's official site.
- Local city ordinances and employment resources are available through the City of Vancouver, WA official website.