Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
In the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,530. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as supply and demand for this specific role, may be influencing compensation levels. The cost of living in this region being at the national average further contextualizes this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,320.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, comprises a workforce of 3,870 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.31, the concentration of these jobs is significantly lower than the national average, indicating a less specialized local demand. While there are 1.347 jobs per 1,000 workers, the lower LQ suggests that this role may not be a primary driver of local employment compared to national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA earns-8.4%below the national average.
$13.7
$549
$2,378
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Atlanta is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation have seen modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend likely extends to the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area, though the rate of increase may differ based on local economic factors and the competitive landscape for fast-food employment.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks, shift leaders, or those with specialized skills can command higher wages. The disparity between the lowest and highest earners, often represented by percentile differences, signifies the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity within this field in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell region.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,880 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,398 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,150 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,663 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,320 | $16.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,530 for Cooks, Fast Food in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to this area for this specific role would not inherently offer a cost-of-living advantage or disadvantage compared to the national median.
Job Market Context
3,870
Total Jobs
1.347
Per 1K Jobs
0.31
Location Quotient
At 0.31x, Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.31 for Cooks, Fast Food in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, indicates that this occupation is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while the job exists, it is not a dominant industry sector in the region, potentially leading to a more competitive job market for applicants or fewer specialized opportunities compared to areas with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,270↓ 8% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $28,530. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $34,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 8.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,530 is below the national average of $31,130, and the job concentration is significantly lower than the national benchmark.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Georgia nonmetropolitan area ($26,270) and others.
How does the Atlanta salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $28,530, which is $2,600 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The Cost of Living Index for Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Fast Food Cook jobs in Atlanta?
The Location Quotient of 0.31 indicates that Fast Food Cook jobs are less concentrated in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in the Atlanta area?
There are approximately 3,870 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,870 employees in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area with a job density of 1.347 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 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA