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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Alaska

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Alaska earn an average annual salary of $33,230, surpassing the national average of $31,130. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Alaska's unique economic landscape, including its remote geography and potentially higher operational costs for businesses. These factors often necessitate higher wages to attract and retain essential service workers in the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,230 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,020.
  • Outlook: Alaska's job market for fast food cooks appears robust, with a local workforce of 2,930 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.11 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Alaska compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand and a specialized market for this profession within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,230

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Alaska earns+6.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16

Weekly

$639

Monthly

$2,769

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Alaska

The salary range for fast food cooks in Alaska can vary significantly based on experience. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within this field, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,150$13.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,923$12
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,820$17.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,538$20
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,020$17.8

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,230

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,248

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

While the average annual salary of $33,230 in Alaska is higher than the national average, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 126.6. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 26.6% higher than the national average, which can significantly impact the actual purchasing power of the nominal salary. Potential residents should factor in these higher living costs when evaluating the true financial benefit of relocating.

Job Market Context

2,930

Total Jobs

9.123

Per 1K Jobs

2.11

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 2.1x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Alaska's Location Quotient of 2.11 for fast food cooks signifies a market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a relatively abundant job market for these roles, suggesting that employers may have a wider pool of candidates, but also that the demand is consistently high enough to support this concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Alaska is $33,230. This typically ranges from $28,150 for entry-level positions to $37,020 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 6.7% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Alaska a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, with caveats.Alaska offers a higher average salary for fast food cooks than the national average, but the significantly higher cost of living must be considered for true financial benefit.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the number of fast food cooks in Alaska compare nationally?

With 2,930 fast food cooks, Alaska has a notable workforce in this sector, and the Location Quotient of 2.11 shows this profession is more concentrated there than the national average.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for fast food cooks in Alaska?

A Location Quotient of 2.11 means that fast food cooks are more than twice as prevalent in Alaska's workforce compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand and specialization.

How does the cost of living affect the salary of a fast food cook in Alaska?

The cost of living in Alaska is about 26.6% higher than the national average, meaning the $33,230 salary, while higher nominally, may have less purchasing power than a similar salary in a lower-cost state.

Are there opportunities for career advancement for fast food cooks in Alaska?

Yes, experience typically leads to higher earnings, with salary progression evident through percentile gaps, suggesting pathways to more senior or specialized roles within the fast food industry.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,930 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 9.123 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 Alaska