Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
In Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $26,120. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay scale that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the area's fast-food sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,850.
- Outlook: The Augusta-Richmond County area employs 590 individuals in fast-food cooking roles, with 2.561 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.59 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles within the local labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earns-16.1%below the national average.
$12.6
$502
$2,177
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Augusta-Richmond County's fast-food cooks is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries in this sector experience modest annual growth, typically aligning with inflation and incremental increases in minimum wage legislation. Over the past four years, it's reasonable to assume a gradual upward trend in compensation for these roles, reflecting broader economic adjustments.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while experienced cooks with supervisory or specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,010 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,590 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,870 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,650 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,850 | $14.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,120 for Cooks, Fast Food in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, is directly comparable to the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is on par with the national standard, suggesting that the lower wage is offset by a comparable cost of living.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
2.561
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC has 0.59x 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 0.59, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry segment within the local economy, suggesting a moderate level of competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,490↓ 2% | 73 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,140↓ 4% | 73 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,280↓ 3% | 73 mi |
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,480↓ 6% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $26,120. This typically ranges from $21,010 for entry-level positions to $30,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 16.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods.The average salary of $26,120 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($25,490) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Augusta-Richmond County salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $26,120, which is notably lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the cost of living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC for Fast Food Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.59, suggesting fewer jobs per capita relative to the rest of the United States.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks employed in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
There are approximately 590 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food within the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area with a job density of 2.561 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 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC