Chef/Head Cook in Redmond, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Chef/Head Cooks considering a move to Redmond, Washington.

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As a career analyst who has spent years mapping the culinary landscape of the Pacific Northwest, I’ve watched Redmond transform from a quiet suburb into a powerhouse of its own. It’s not just Microsoft’s backyard anymore; it’s a city with a distinct identity, driven by a booming tech population, a strong family community, and a surprisingly robust dining scene. For a Chef or Head Cook, this presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. This guide is designed to give you the unvarnished data and local insights you need to decide if Redmond is the right kitchen for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The culinary industry is notoriously wide-ranging in pay, but for a Chef/Head Cook in Redmond, the data points to a solid, middle-of-the-road compensation when compared to national averages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry data, the median salary for this role in Redmond is $62,703/year, translating to an hourly rate of $30.15/hour. This sits slightly above the national average for Chef/Head Cooks, which is $60,350/year. While the difference isn't massive, in a high-cost area like Redmond, every dollar counts.

The job market is competitive but stable. There are approximately 160 jobs for Chef/Head Cooks in the metro area at any given time, with a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates steady demand, largely fueled by the constant churn of new restaurants, corporate cafeterias, and high-end catering services catering to the tech workforce.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Redmond is directly tied to your experience and the type of establishment you work in. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Redmond)	Typical Employer Type
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $55,000	Line cook promotions, smaller cafes, fast-casual chains
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$58,000 - $70,000	Head cook in a mid-sized restaurant, hotel, or corporate dining
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$68,000 - $85,000	Executive Chef at a fine-dining establishment, large hotel, or country club
Expert (15+ yrs)	$85,000+	Director of Food & Beverage, high-profile private club, or restaurant owner

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Redmond’s salary is competitive within the state, though it doesn’t top the charts. Seattle, with its density of fine dining and Michelin-starred potential, offers higher ceilings but also fiercer competition.

City	Median Salary (Chef/Head Cook)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Redmond	$62,703	113.0
Seattle	$68,500	152.4
Bellevue	$66,000	160.0
Tacoma	$58,200	110.2
Spokane	$54,100	95.5

Insider Tip: While Seattle and Bellevue offer higher nominal salaries, the cost of living (especially housing) is drastically higher. A chef earning $62,703 in Redmond often has more disposable income than one earning $68,500 in Seattle, once rent is factored in.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $62,703 salary sounds reasonable, but in Redmond, your paycheck gets stretched thin by two major factors: taxes and housing. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single person earning the median salary.

Assumptions: Filing as single, taking the standard deduction, including state (WA has no income tax, but high sales tax), federal, and FICA taxes. The average 1BR rent in Redmond is $1,864/month.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,225	$62,703 / 12
Estimated Taxes (Fed + FICA)	-$836	WA has no state income tax, which is a major plus.
Net Monthly Pay	$4,389	Your take-home pay.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,864	The single largest expense.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$220	WA has generally lower electricity costs due to hydropower.
Groceries	-$400	Chef-level food costs can be higher if you're buying premium ingredients for home.
Transportation	-$300	Car payment, insurance, gas, or public transit (ORCA card).
Health Insurance	-$250	Varies widely, but a rough employer-supported average.
Savings/Debt/Other	-$1,355	The remainder for savings, student loans, dining out, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the toughest question. The median home price in Redmond is well over $1.2 million. With a $62,703 salary, affording a home in Redmond on a single income is nearly impossible without a significant down payment (20%+) and a partner's income. Most Chef/Head Cooks in Redmond rent or live in more affordable neighboring cities like Shoreline or Renton and commute. Homeownership is typically a long-term goal achieved through dual incomes or by moving into a management/ownership stake in a restaurant.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond’s culinary job market is unique, split between high-volume corporate dining and a growing independent restaurant scene. Here are the key players:

1. Microsoft (Various Cafes & Executive Dining): The giant. Microsoft operates dozens of cafes, coffee shops, and executive dining rooms across its Redmond campus (and in nearby Bellevue). These are highly sought-after jobs: steady hours, great benefits, no late-night shifts, and competitive pay. They often hire Head Cooks and Chefs to manage specific culinary stations. Hiring is continuous but competitive; internal referrals are key.

2. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics: A major hospital system with multiple locations in Redmond. They operate cafeterias for staff and patients, as well as catering services. These roles offer union-level benefits, pension plans, and very stable 7am-3pm shifts—ideal for work-life balance.

3. The Herbfarm Restaurant: Located just outside Redmond in Woodinville, this is a destination, fine-dining institution. It’s a different world: multi-course tasting menus, foraging, and a farm-to-table ethos. A Chef de Cuisine or Sous Chef role here is a resume-builder, offering high-end experience and a salary well above the Redmond median, though it demands intense, seasonal hours.

4. Columbia Hospitality (Managed Properties): This Seattle-based hospitality company manages several high-profile venues in the area, including the Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa in nearby Kirkland and catering at the Marymoor Park concert venue. They are a consistent employer for banquet chefs and event cooks, especially during the summer concert season.

5. Local Independent Restaurants: The scene is growing. Look at places like Bennu (an upscale coffee shop with a small kitchen), Cantinetta (Italian), or Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen. These establishments are where you find creative freedom and a direct connection to the owner. Hiring is often done through word-of-mouth or local chef networks like the Seattle Food & Beverage group on LinkedIn.

Hiring Trend Insight: Post-pandemic, there’s a noticeable shift. Corporate dining (like Microsoft) is hiring aggressively as RTO (Return-to-Office) policies solidify. Meanwhile, independent restaurants are struggling with the high cost of goods and rent, leading to a more cautious hiring approach. Your best bet is to target corporate and healthcare first for stability, then network for independent gigs.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State makes it relatively straightforward to enter the culinary field, focusing on food safety certification rather than a chef's license.

• Food Handler's Card: Required for every food worker, including chefs and head cooks. You must obtain this within 14 days of starting work. The certification is valid for 3 years.

  • Cost: $10 - $15 (online course and exam).
  • Provider: ServSafe Washington, Washington State Food Worker Card (via local health departments).
  • Timeline: Can be completed in 1-2 hours.

• Food Manager's Certification: While not always mandatory for a Head Cook, it is highly preferred or required by many employers, especially in larger institutions (hospitals, Microsoft). It demonstrates a higher level of knowledge.

  • Cost: $125 - $150 for the proctored exam and study materials.
  • Provider: ServSafe Manager Certification (accredited by the Washington State Department of Health).
  • Timeline: 1-2 weeks of study, followed by a 2-hour exam.

• Business License: If you plan to operate as a private chef or caterer, you’ll need a business license from the City of Redmond. This is a straightforward online process.

Insider Tip: Start with your Food Handler's Card immediately. Before an interview, mention that you are or plan to get your Food Manager's Certification. It shows initiative and aligns with the standards of major local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Chef/Head Cooks

Where you live in Redmond impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are the top neighborhoods, considering proximity to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Redmond	Walkable, urban feel. Close to restaurants, parks, and the Microsoft campus. Easy commute to Overlake.	$1,950 - $2,200	Those who want a short walk to work and a lively street life.
Overlake	More residential, quieter. Directly adjacent to Microsoft's main campus and Overlake Hospital.	$1,750 - $1,950	Prioritizing a 5-10 minute commute to major tech/healthcare employers.
East Lake Sammamish	Suburban, family-oriented, scenic. A bit farther from the core, but offers more space for the rent.	$1,650 - $1,850	Chefs who value a quieter home life and don't mind a 15-20 minute drive.
SE Redmond/Bear Creek	Newer developments, modern apartments, close to major highways (SR-520).	$1,800 - $2,000	Easy access to Seattle (via SR-520) and commuting to other Eastside cities.

Commute Insight: Traffic on SR-520 and I-405 is severe during rush hour. If you work at Microsoft or Overlake Hospital, living in Redmond itself is a huge quality-of-life advantage. If you work at The Herbfarm or in Woodinville, a short commute east is simple.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a real concern in any kitchen. In Redmond, your growth path depends on the sector.

• Corporate Path: Start as a Head Cook at a Microsoft café. From there, you can become a Culinary Manager (overseeing multiple cafes), then a Director of Culinary Operations for the entire campus. This path offers a clear corporate ladder with benefits and bonuses.
• Independent/Fine Dining Path: Start as a Sous Chef at a place like Cantinetta. Your goal is to become an Executive Chef, managing the entire kitchen, menu, and P&L. The next step could be Chef-Owner—starting your own pop-up or restaurant. The financial risk is high, but so is the reward.
• Specialty Premiums: Skills that command higher pay in Redmond include:
  • Plant-Based/Vegan Culinary: Huge demand from the tech demographic.
  • Large-Scale Catering & Event Management: For corporate events and weddings.
  • Nutrition & Dietary Management: Critical for hospital and senior living settings.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth suggests stability, not a boom. The biggest opportunity lies in the "experience economy"—creating unique dining concepts for the affluent, time-poor tech worker. Think high-end meal kits, curated tasting events, or chef-led supper clubs. The chefs who adapt to these hybrid models will thrive.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Strong demand from corporate and healthcare sectors.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are a significant burden.
No State Income Tax: Your full paycheck (minus federal/FICA) is yours.	Competitive, Niche Dining Scene: Less diverse than Seattle; fewer "breakout" fine-dining spots.
Work-Life Balance: Corporate jobs often offer regular hours and weekends off.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Outdoor Access: Unbeatable proximity to hiking, biking, and lakes.	Slower Pace: For chefs seeking the relentless energy of a major city kitchen, it can feel quiet.
Strong Community: Family-friendly, safe, and community-oriented.	Limited Late-Night Scene: If you thrive on the energy of a 2 AM kitchen, look elsewhere.

Final Recommendation: Redmond is an excellent choice for a Chef/Head Cook who values stability, work-life balance, and a high quality of life outside the kitchen. It’s ideal for those with a few years of experience looking to transition into a corporate role or step into a Head Cook position with less chaos than a downtown Seattle restaurant. If your primary goal is to reach the pinnacle of fine dining or you crave a 24/7 culinary adrenaline rush, Seattle or Bellevue might be a better fit. For the pragmatic chef who wants to build a solid career and enjoy the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, Redmond is a compelling and viable home base.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to live in Redmond on a Chef's salary without a roommate?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. As the budget breakdown shows, a single person earning the median salary of $62,703 can afford a 1BR apartment, but savings will be modest. It's a tight fit, but manageable if you avoid high car payments and expensive habits.

2. How do I find a job in Redmond before I move?
Leverage LinkedIn and local job boards like Poached. Search for employers like "Microsoft," "Overlake," and "Columbia Hospitality." Reach out to hiring managers directly. The culinary community is connected; a well-crafted message can open doors. Also, consider contacting the Washington State Restaurant Association for local job postings.

3. Do I need to know how to code to work at Microsoft?
Absolutely not. Microsoft's culinary teams are separate from their tech divisions. They hire chefs, cooks, and bakers based on culinary skill, food safety knowledge, and the ability to work in a high-volume, consistent environment. It's about making great food for employees, not writing software.

4. What's the biggest challenge for a new chef in Redmond?
The biggest challenge is often the high cost of goods and rent, which puts pressure on restaurant margins. For a Head Cook, this can mean tight food cost controls and less budget for creative, expensive ingredients. Building relationships with local farmers in the nearby Snoqualmie Valley can help, but it's a constant balancing act.

5. Is the food scene really that different from Seattle?
Yes. Redmond's scene is more casual, family-friendly, and convenience-driven. While you'll find excellent Thai, Italian, and Pacific Northwest cuisine, you won't find the same density of high-end tasting menus or avant-garde concepts. For a Chef, it's less about being on the cutting edge and more about executing consistently great food for a discerning, but less experimental, clientele.