Cook Salary in Lakewood, WA

Cooks in Lakewood, WA, earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for a cook in this area is approximately $39,886. Salaries for cooks vary based on experience and skills. Entry-level positions start around $33,280, while more experienced cooks can earn upwards of $50,900 annually.

Many factors influence a cook's salary, including the type of restaurant and specific job duties. For instance, cooks working in upscale establishments often earn higher wages than those in casual dining. Additionally, as cooks gain experience, they can move up to higher-paying positions, such as lead cook or kitchen manager.

Overall, cooking offers a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth and increased earnings in Lakewood.

1. Steilacoom, WA
   Average Salary: $44,447
   Working in Steilacoom offers a charming community where local eateries emphasize fresh, local ingredients. You can find opportunities to work in family-owned restaurants and cafes that focus on homemade dishes.
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2. Enumclaw, WA
   Average Salary: $42,856
   Enumclaw presents a friendly atmosphere with a mix of rural and urban dining options. Many local establishments pride themselves on using seasonal produce, allowing chefs to enjoy creativity in their culinary craft.
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3. Federal Way, WA
   Average Salary: $40,845
   Federal Way boasts a diverse dining scene with various restaurants serving international cuisine. Opportunities abound in both casual dining spots and upscale venues, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
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4. Tacoma, WA
   Average Salary: $40,683
   Tacoma, with its vibrant food culture, provides numerous openings in bustling restaurants and food trucks. The city's emerging culinary scene encourages innovation and adventure in dish preparation.
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5. Gig Harbor, WA
   Average Salary: $40,573
   In Gig Harbor, you can work in scenic waterfront restaurants that highlight fresh seafood. The welcoming community atmosphere makes it a great place to develop your cooking skills while enjoying beautiful views.
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6. Sumner, WA
   Average Salary: $40,372
   Sumner features a blend of quaint diners and modern eateries. Chefs here often enjoy a sense of community support and can take part in local events that celebrate food and culture.
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7. Auburn, WA
   Average Salary: $40,368
   Auburn’s diverse culinary scene includes everything from casual cafes to fine dining. With a strong community focus, you can experience teamwork and collaboration in the kitchen.
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8. Milton, WA
   Average Salary: $40,000
   Milton offers a friendly environment with various dining options that cater to families and locals. Chefs here can showcase their skills in welcoming restaurants that value home-style cooking.
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9. University Place, WA
   Average Salary: $38,920
   University Place features a mix of upscale dining and casual spots, influenced by the nearby university. It offers chefs the chance to experiment with vibrant flavors and contemporary trends.
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10. Kent, WA
    Average Salary: $38,909
    Kent is home to an array of restaurants that reflect the city's multicultural population. Working in this dynamic environment allows culinary professionals to explore a variety of cuisines and cooking styles.
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1. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
   Average Salary: $50,900
   Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offers Cook positions with competitive salaries. Cooks in this healthcare system prepare meals for patients and staff, ensuring nutrition and quality. Locations include various hospitals and facilities in Lakewood and surrounding areas.
   




2. State of Washington
   Average Salary: $42,448
   The State of Washington employs Cooks in several state-operated facilities. These roles provide opportunities to serve nutritious meals in correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and other state institutions throughout Lakewood and the region.
   




3. Denny's
   Average Salary: $39,381
   Denny's offers Cook roles where team members prepare dishes in a fast-paced environment. The company has multiple locations in Lakewood, providing a chance to work in a well-known diner setting with a diverse menu.
   




4. IHOP
   Average Salary: $38,858
   IHOP provides Cook positions focusing on breakfast and brunch items. Cooks play a key role in delivering a high-quality dining experience at various locations in Lakewood, emphasizing fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction.
   




5. Pizza Hut
   Average Salary: $32,880
   Pizza Hut hires Cooks to prepare pizzas and other menu items. This role includes ensuring proper food safety and quality. Available locations in Lakewood allow for flexible schedules and a lively work atmosphere.
   

1. Sous Chef
   Average Salary: $53,607
   In this role, you support the head chef by managing kitchen operations and food preparation. You will supervise kitchen staff and ensure high-quality dishes are served to guests. Companies like Olive Garden and Red Robin in the area often look for skilled sous chefs to enhance their culinary teams.
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2. Restaurant Supervisor
   Average Salary: $50,720
   As a restaurant supervisor, you oversee daily operations and ensure excellent customer service. This position involves managing staff and coordinating with the kitchen to deliver a great dining experience. Local establishments such as The Ram and Claim Jumper value supervisors who can lead their teams effectively.
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3. Fast Food Restaurant Manager
   Average Salary: $49,750
   In this management position, you direct operations at a fast-paced restaurant. Responsibilities include staff training, helping to increase sales, and maintaining quality standards. Popular fast food chains like Taco Bell and McDonald's hire managers to keep operations running smoothly.
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4. Restaurant Manager
   Average Salary: $49,376
   As a restaurant manager, you oversee overall operations including staffing, budgeting, and guest satisfaction. You will work closely with both the kitchen staff and servers to ensure a seamless dining experience. Restaurants like The Olive Garden and Buffalo Wild Wings in Lakewood value strong managers to lead their teams.
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5. Food and Beverage Supervisor
   Average Salary: $41,312
   In this role, you manage food and beverage service at establishments ranging from hotels to restaurants. Your focus will be on ensuring quality service, managing inventory, and coordinating events. Local venues often seek supervisors to maintain high standards and guest satisfaction.
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6. Baker
   Average Salary: $41,310
   As a baker, you prepare a variety of baked goods, from bread to pastries. You can work in bakeries, grocery stores, or restaurants, crafting delicious items for customers. Businesses like Panera Bread and local bakeries in Lakewood require skilled bakers to meet their demand.
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7. Caterer
   Average Salary: $39,475
   Catering professionals prepare meals for events and gatherings, working closely with clients to meet their needs. This role involves cooking, arranging food presentation, and sometimes managing event details. Caterers in the Lakewood area serve both private parties and corporate events.
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8. Dietary Manager
   Average Salary: $38,000
   In this position, you oversee nutrition care and dietary services in facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. You will manage staff, maintain meal quality, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Organizations in the healthcare sector value dietary managers for their expertise.
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9. Restaurant Shift Leader
   Average Salary: $37,000
   As a shift leader, you manage restaurant operations during specific shifts, ensuring top-notch service and efficiency. You will guide team members, assist with customer interactions, and help implement policies. Many local eateries in Lakewood depend on shift leaders to run their daily operations effectively.
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10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,956
    In this fast-paced role, you prepare and cook food items as part of a kitchen team. Line cooks work closely with chefs to ensure timely meal delivery and adherence to recipes. Restaurants and cafes in Lakewood rely on skilled line cooks to maintain kitchen productivity.
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