Cooks, Short Order Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

Cooks, Short Order in the Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn a median annual salary of $38,340, which is approximately $2,720 higher than the national median for this occupation at $35,620. Compared to the local median household income of $123,896, the earnings of these cooks constitute about 31% of that figure, reflecting a significant disparity between typical worker earnings and broader household income levels in the region. This indicates that while individual workers in this field are earning above the national average for their occupation, they still earn considerably less than the median income of households within the area.

Entry-level Cooks, Short Order typically earn around $28,080 annually, placing them at the 10th percentile, while those with more experience and skill may reach earnings closer to the 75th percentile at approximately $41,050 annually. The most experienced workers in this occupation can potentially earn up to $47,500 per year, which is at the 90th percentile. The difference in wages between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as years of service, proficiency with complex menu items, ability to manage kitchen staff efficiently, and adaptability to high-pressure environments. These skills are often developed over time through on-the-job experience, training, and sometimes additional culinary education, contributing to the significant wage gap observed between newcomers and seasoned professionals in this field.