What is the median salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cooks, Restaurant in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $42,050.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Cooks, Restaurant?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is -7.0% versus the District of Columbia state median of $45,230.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Cooks, Restaurant?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +12.5% versus the BLS national figure of $37,372.

What is the salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $31,600 and the 90th-percentile at $49,270 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.

What education is required for Cooks, Restaurant?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as No formal credential. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Median annual$42,050

Mean annual$42,280

Range (10th to 90th)$31,600 to $49,270

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment30,860

State vs national+12.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. cooks, restaurant fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $36,960 and $46,130, with a median of $42,050.

Typical entry

Education
No formal credential
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

Food Production
Knowledge
4.1 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
3.9 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
3.6 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
3.5 / 5
Manual Dexterity
Ability
3.1 / 5
Information Ordering
Ability
3.1 / 5
Monitoring
Cross-functional
3.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
3.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment, work surfaces, and serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
02
Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
03
Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
04
Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
05
Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.
06
Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.
07
Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.
08
Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cooks, Restaurant in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $42,050.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Cooks, Restaurant?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is -7.0% versus the District of Columbia state median of $45,230.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Cooks, Restaurant?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +12.5% versus the BLS national figure of $37,372.
What is the salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $31,600 and the 90th-percentile at $49,270 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
What education is required for Cooks, Restaurant?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as No formal credential. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.