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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Arizona nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in Arizona's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $31,340. This figure is slightly above the national average of $31,130, indicating a stable, albeit not significantly higher, earning potential in these regions. The localized pay reflects the specific economic conditions and demand for fast-food services outside major urban centers.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,620.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 360 individuals in this role, Arizona's nonmetropolitan areas demonstrate a modest but present demand for fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a stable job market that is not oversaturated but also not experiencing explosive growth.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,340

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Arizona nonmetropolitan area earns+0.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.1

Weekly

$603

Monthly

$2,612

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Arizona nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for fast-food cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often with increased responsibilities and potentially supervisory duties. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the salary range generally widens with experience, with senior cooks earning significantly more than those just starting out, reflecting a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$23,505$11.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,210$14.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,175$18.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,620$17.1

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $31,340 in Arizona's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in these regions is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage when considering relocation.

Job Market Context

360

Total Jobs

3.798

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Arizona nonmetropolitan area has 0.88x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.88 for fast-food cooks in Arizona's nonmetropolitan areas indicates that this profession is slightly less prevalent than the national average. This suggests a market that is neither overly competitive nor scarce, offering a balanced environment for job seekers. While not a high-demand specialty, there is a consistent need for these services.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Cooks, Fast Food Salary$32,610 4%39 mi

Comparing salaries near Arizona nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Arizona nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Arizona nonmetropolitan area is $31,340. This typically ranges from $29,850 for entry-level positions to $35,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Arizona nonmetropolitan area is 0.7% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Arizona nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, it offers average compensation.The average salary is only slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating standard earning potential rather than lucrative opportunities.

Is Arizona nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Arizona nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Arizona nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ ($32,610) and others.

How does the number of fast-food cooks in Arizona's nonmetropolitan areas compare nationally?

With a total local workforce of 360, this role is present but not a dominant sector compared to national concentrations, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 0.88.

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

An LQ of 0.88 means that fast-food cooks are slightly less concentrated in Arizona's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average, suggesting a stable job market with moderate demand.

Does experience significantly impact a fast-food cook's salary in Arizona's nonmetropolitan areas?

Yes, as with most professions, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with senior cooks earning more than entry-level positions, reflecting career progression.

How does the cost of living affect the value of a fast-food cook's salary in this region?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $31,340 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Arizona nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.798 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.