Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
In the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $30,780. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130. Local market dynamics, including the specific demand for fast food services and the overall economic landscape of the region, contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,750.
- Outlook: The fast food cook job market in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, while not exceptionally concentrated compared to national averages (Location Quotient of 0.5), supports a substantial local workforce of 2,750 individuals. The presence of 2.182 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these roles within the region's service industry.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX earns-1.1%below the national average.
$14.8
$592
$2,565
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Austin is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage inflation and the increasing cost of labor in many metropolitan areas. This trend is often driven by a combination of economic expansion and a competitive job market.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or lead cook roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding increased skill, responsibility, and tenure within the fast food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,610 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,085 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,850 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,475 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,750 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,780 in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast food cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal wage is offset by the neutral cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,750
Total Jobs
2.182
Per 1K Jobs
0.5
Location Quotient
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX has 0.50x 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 0.5, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area has a lower concentration of fast food cook positions relative to the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market is not saturated, and demand is more moderate compared to regions with higher LQs, potentially offering a stable but not overly competitive employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,280↓ 15% | 53 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,640↓ 13% | 53 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,380↓ 14% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $30,780. This typically ranges from $25,610 for entry-level positions to $35,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 1.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par, the lower concentration of jobs suggests a moderate market rather than a highly lucrative one.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($26,280) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Austin fast food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $30,780, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
The Cost of Living Index for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many fast food cooks are there in the Austin area?
There are approximately 2,750 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan area.
Is the job market for fast food cooks concentrated in Austin?
No, the job market for fast food cooks in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.5.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,750 employees in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area with a job density of 2.182 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 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX