Chef Salary in Seattle: Is It Worth It?
The median chef salary in Seattle is $80K a year. Here is what actually lands in your pocket after taxes - and what it's really worth once you account for the local cost of living.
Where the money goes
| Item | Amount / year | Share of gross |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | $80,330 | 100% |
| Federal income tax (2026, single) | −$8,843 | 11.0% |
| FICA (Social Security + Medicare) | −$6,145 | 7.6% |
| State income tax (Washington) | −$0 | 0.0% |
| Take-home | $65,342 | 81.3% |
Estimates use single filing status, standard deduction, wages-only income. Full assumptions on the methodology page.
Compare with other metros
Boston
Atlanta
Chicago
Dallas
Detroit
Houston
Typical costs to know
Washington has no state income tax, and Seattle's cost of living is 11% above the U.S. average. In dollar terms,$80K of gross salary converts to roughly $59K of buying power after tax.
FAQ
What is the average chef salary in Seattle?
The median annual wage is $80,330, per the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey.
How much do chefs and head cooks take home in Seattle?
After estimated federal income tax ($8,843), FICA ($6,145) and Washington state tax ($0), net income is about $65,342 a year - roughly $5K per month.
Is $80K a good salary in Seattle?
Because the local cost of living is 11% above the U.S. average, that salary supports buying power roughly equivalent to $59K at the national average. See the methodology for the math.