Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $25,770. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the region. The pay scale in this area is influenced by a combination of local market conditions and the cost of labor within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,190.
- Outlook: The Auburn-Opelika area supports a substantial workforce of 1,200 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a significant presence of this occupation. With a Location Quotient of 3.88, the concentration of these jobs is nearly four times the national average, suggesting robust demand and a specialized market for fast-food culinary professionals in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-17.2%below the national average.
$12.4
$496
$2,148
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Auburn-Opelika isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in this region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest annual increases in compensation for such positions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Auburn-Opelika, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The variance between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,120 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,328 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,840 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,213 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,190 | $14.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,770 in Auburn-Opelika aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Auburn-Opelika is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,200
Total Jobs
16.796
Per 1K Jobs
3.88
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 3.9x 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.
Auburn-Opelika exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.88. This significantly elevated quotient indicates that this occupation is disproportionately represented in the local job market compared to the national average. Such a concentration suggests a strong demand for these roles and potentially a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,990↑ 1% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,720↓ 0% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,980↓ 3% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,070↑ 1% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,260↓ 2% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $25,770. This typically ranges from $22,120 for entry-level positions to $30,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 17.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the $25,770 annual salary is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130 for Cooks, Fast Food. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($25,990) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the local job market compare nationally for Fast Food Cooks?
The local job market in Auburn-Opelika is significantly more concentrated for Fast Food Cooks than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 3.88, indicating a strong local presence and demand for this role.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living on a Fast Food Cook's salary in Auburn-Opelika?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika is 100, which is the national average. This means the $25,770 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many Fast Food Cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Auburn-Opelika?
There are approximately 16.8 Fast Food Cook jobs per 1,000 workers in Auburn-Opelika, AL, highlighting the prevalence of this occupation in the local workforce.
Does experience significantly increase salary for Fast Food Cooks in Auburn-Opelika?
Yes, similar to national trends, experience is a key factor in salary progression for Fast Food Cooks. Senior roles and those with supervisory responsibilities typically command higher compensation than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,200 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 16.796 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL