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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Appleton, WI

In Appleton, WI, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,000. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local market dynamics, including workforce concentration and demand, often influence compensation levels, leading to this regional pay disparity.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,000 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,120.
  • Outlook: Appleton, WI supports a local workforce of 370 Cooks, Fast Food, with a location quotient of 0.69. This indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While the total workforce size suggests a stable presence, the below-average concentration implies moderate demand and potentially less intense competition for available positions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,000

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Appleton, WI earns-10.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.5

Weekly

$538

Monthly

$2,333

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Appleton, WI

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Appleton, WI, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced culinary skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The variance between entry-level and senior roles reflects a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,560$10.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,000$10.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,850$13.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,000$16.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,120$16.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,000

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,000

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,000 in Appleton, WI, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither exceptionally high nor low.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

2.973

Per 1K Jobs

0.69

Location Quotient

Below Average

Appleton, WI has 0.69x 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 0.69, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Appleton, WI, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy. Consequently, job seekers might find a moderate number of opportunities, but the overall competitive landscape is likely less intense than in areas with a higher concentration of these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,540↓ 2%20 mi
Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,580↓ 2%35 mi
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,980↓ 0%61 mi

Comparing salaries near Appleton, WI

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Appleton, WI?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Appleton, WI is $28,000. This typically ranges from $22,560 for entry-level positions to $34,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Appleton, WI is 10.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Appleton, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,000 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Appleton, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($27,540) and Fond du Lac, WI.

How does the number of fast food jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

Appleton, WI has 2.973 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Fast Food, which is lower than the national average, indicating a less saturated market.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for fast food cooks in Appleton?

An LQ of 0.69 signifies that fast food cooks are less concentrated in Appleton compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive job market.

Does the cost of living affect the $28,000 salary for fast food cooks in Appleton?

The cost of living in Appleton is at the national average (100), meaning the $28,000 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal wage.

What is the total number of fast food cooks employed in Appleton, WI?

There are approximately 370 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Appleton, WI, representing the local workforce in this specific occupation.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Appleton, WI area with a job density of 2.973 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 Appleton, WI