Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Portland, OR-WA

In Portland, OR-WA, cooks working in institutions and cafeterias earn a median annual salary of $44,760, which is higher than the national median of $36,450 for the same occupation. This translates to a median hourly wage of $21.52. Compared to the local area's median household income of $94,573, cooks' earnings account for approximately 47% of the average household income in this region. This comparison highlights that while cooks earn above the national average for their role, they still make less than half of what the typical household earns in Portland, OR-WA. The local unemployment rate stands at a relatively low 4.00%, indicating a competitive job market.

Entry-level cooks in Portland, OR-WA start at the 10th percentile with an annual salary of $36,710, whereas experienced workers can earn up to the 90th percentile, reaching $57,050 annually. This disparity is driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, and performance, which typically lead to higher wages for seasoned employees. Those in the lower quartile (25th percentile) earn around $39,260 per year, while those in the upper quartile (75th percentile) make approximately $49,090 annually. Experience not only contributes to higher earnings but also often correlates with opportunities for advancement and skill development within the field, further widening the pay gap between new entrants and veterans in this occupation.