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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Abilene, TX

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Abilene, TX, earn an average annual salary of $25,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector in Abilene.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,600 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,320.
  • Outlook: The Abilene, TX market for Fast Food Cooks comprises a local workforce of 270 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area. The presence of 3.632 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,600

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Abilene, TX earns-17.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.3

Weekly

$492

Monthly

$2,133

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Abilene, TX

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Abilene, TX, is typically tied to experience and demonstrated skill. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with several years of experience, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles signify clear opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,180$9.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,200$9.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,090$12.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,000$15.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,320$16.5

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,600

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,600

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $25,600 for Fast Food Cooks in Abilene, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary within Abilene is comparable to the national average, making the financial impact of the lower salary somewhat mitigated by local living expenses.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

3.632

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

Abilene, TX has 0.84x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Abilene, TX, is neither over-saturated nor exceptionally scarce compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced market where employers are actively seeking qualified individuals, but the competition among job seekers is also present, leading to compensation levels that reflect local economic conditions rather than intense national demand.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
San Angelo, TX Cooks, Fast Food Salary$24,930↓ 3%81 mi

Comparing salaries near Abilene, TX

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Abilene, TX?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Abilene, TX is $25,600. This typically ranges from $20,180 for entry-level positions to $34,320 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Abilene, TX is 17.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Abilene, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, Abilene, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks.The average annual salary of $25,600 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130, and while the cost of living is average, the nominal pay does not offer a substantial financial advantage.

Is Abilene, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Abilene, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Abilene, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Angelo, TX ($24,930) and others.

How does Abilene's cost of living compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?

Abilene, TX has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for everyday goods and services in Abilene are on par with the rest of the country.

What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Abilene, TX?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.84. This indicates that the proportion of Fast Food Cooks in Abilene's workforce is slightly lower than the national average.

How many Fast Food Cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Abilene, TX?

There are approximately 3.632 Fast Food Cook jobs for every 1,000 workers in Abilene, TX, reflecting the local demand for these services.

What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks employed in Abilene, TX?

The total local workforce for Fast Food Cooks in Abilene, TX, is 270 individuals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Abilene, TX area with a job density of 3.632 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Abilene, TX