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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Cooks, Fast Food in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earn an average annual salary of $32,850, which is slightly above the national average of $31,130. This localized pay differential is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the cost of doing business and the demand for specific services within the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,980.
  • Outlook: The Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area supports a local workforce of 1,440 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of 3.243 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for fast-food service professionals in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,850

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+5.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.8

Weekly

$632

Monthly

$2,738

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,200$15
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,638$11.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,200$15
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,063$19.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,980$17.8

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,850

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,850 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain.

Job Market Context

1,440

Total Jobs

3.243

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 0.75x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.75 for Cooks, Fast Food in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field or seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $32,850. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $36,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 5.5% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, moderately so.The average salary is slightly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, indicating a stable earning potential for the role.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Glens Falls, NY ($33,300) and Kingston, NY.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks, Fast Food in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

With a local workforce of 1,440, there is a substantial number of individuals employed in this role, indicating a consistent demand from fast-food establishments within the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.75 mean for Cooks, Fast Food in this area?

A Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests that the proportion of Cooks, Fast Food in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is slightly lower than the national average, implying a potentially less competitive job market compared to other regions.

How does the cost of living in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY compare to the national average?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. This indicates that the expenses for everyday living are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.

Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks, Fast Food in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience and advanced skills can expect to earn considerably more, reflecting career progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,440 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 3.243 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.