Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Arizona
Cooks in fast-food establishments across Arizona earn an average annual salary of $32,340. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a marginal premium for this role within the state. Local economic factors and demand dynamics likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,970.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 11,220 individuals in this role, Arizona presents a significant market for fast-food cooks. The location quotient of 0.81 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally concentrated demand within the state's labor landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Arizona earns+3.9%above the national average.
$15.6
$622
$2,695
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for fast-food cooks in Arizona have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage trends. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for such roles.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Arizona
Salary progression for fast-food cooks in Arizona typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,850 | $14.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,255 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,090 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,425 | $19.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,970 | $17.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,395
Adjusted for COL (106.4)
The average annual salary of $32,340 in Arizona needs to be considered within the context of its Cost of Living Index, which stands at 106.4. This means that the cost of goods and services is approximately 6.4% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the nominal salary is slightly above the national average, the purchasing power may be closer to, or slightly below, the national average due to the higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
11,220
Total Jobs
3.51
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Arizona has 0.81x 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.
Arizona's location quotient of 0.81 for fast-food cooks indicates that the industry is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,610↑ 1% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Arizona
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Arizona?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Arizona is $32,340. This typically ranges from $29,850 for entry-level positions to $35,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arizona is 3.9% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Arizona a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary is slightly higher than the national average, the elevated cost of living in Arizona offsets this gain, making it less lucrative in terms of purchasing power.
Is Arizona a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Arizona is 106.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Arizona?
Some top paying nearby cities include Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ ($32,610) and others.
What is the average hourly wage for a fast-food cook in Arizona?
Based on the average annual salary of $32,340 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a fast-food cook in Arizona is around $15.55.
How does Arizona's job concentration for fast-food cooks compare nationally?
Arizona's job concentration, measured by its location quotient of 0.81, is slightly below the national average, indicating a proportionally smaller presence of fast-food cook jobs compared to the overall workforce.
What is the impact of Arizona's cost of living on a fast-food cook's salary?
With a cost of living index of 106.4, Arizona is more expensive than the national average. This means that the $32,340 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a location with a lower cost of living.
Are there many fast-food cook jobs in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona employs 11,220 fast-food cooks, representing 3.51 jobs per 1,000 workers, which indicates a substantial presence in the state's labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,220 employees in the Arizona area with a job density of 3.51 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arizona