SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Anchorage, AK

Fast Food Cooks in Anchorage, Alaska, earn an average annual salary of $33,280, which is notably higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated pay in Anchorage is often attributed to factors such as the higher cost of operating businesses in remote locations and the need to attract and retain staff in a market with unique logistical challenges.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,530.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,010 individuals in this role, Anchorage demonstrates a significant concentration of Fast Food Cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.65. This suggests that the demand for these positions is substantially higher in Anchorage compared to the national average, pointing towards a robust and active job market for this profession within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,280

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Anchorage, AK earns+6.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16

Weekly

$640

Monthly

$2,773

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Anchorage, AK

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Anchorage, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will generally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,550$13.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,960$12
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,820$17.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,600$20
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,530$17.6

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,280

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $33,280 in Anchorage aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross pay is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary in Anchorage is comparable to the national average, indicating that the increased wages are offset by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

2,010

Total Jobs

11.475

Per 1K Jobs

2.65

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Anchorage, AK has 2.6x 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.

Anchorage's Location Quotient of 2.65 for Fast Food Cooks signifies a market where this profession is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Anchorage, AK?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Anchorage, AK is $33,280. This typically ranges from $28,550 for entry-level positions to $36,530 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Anchorage, AK is 6.9% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Anchorage, AK a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, with comparable purchasing power.Fast Food Cooks in Anchorage earn more than the national average salary. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the higher nominal wage offers comparable purchasing power.

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

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

What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in Anchorage, AK?

The average annual salary for a Fast Food Cook in Anchorage, AK is $33,280.

How does the Anchorage salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Anchorage ($33,280) is higher than the national average ($31,130).

What is the cost of living in Anchorage compared to the national average?

Anchorage has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated are Fast Food Cook jobs in Anchorage?

Anchorage has a high concentration of Fast Food Cooks, with a Location Quotient of 2.65, indicating significantly more jobs per worker than the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,010 employees in the Anchorage, AK area with a job density of 11.475 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.