Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Birmingham, AL
Cooks in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $27,360, which is below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the cost of labor and the overall demand for fast-food services within the Birmingham metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,080.
- Outlook: The Birmingham, AL market for Cooks, Fast Food is notably concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 2.49, indicating a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. Coupled with a substantial local workforce of 5,590 individuals in this profession, this suggests a robust and active job market with consistent demand for fast-food culinary talent.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Birmingham, AL earns-12.1%below the national average.
$13.2
$526
$2,280
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Birmingham is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage trends. Factors such as inflation, rising minimum wages, and increased competition for labor likely contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation within this sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Birmingham, AL typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills, such as supervisory roles or advanced food preparation techniques, can command higher salaries. The variance between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,220 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,520 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,650 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,200 | $16.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,080 | $16.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,360 in Birmingham, AL aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Birmingham is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.
Job Market Context
5,590
Total Jobs
10.802
Per 1K Jobs
2.49
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 2.5x 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.
Birmingham, AL exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Fast Food, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.49. This significantly elevated quotient suggests that the demand for fast-food workers is more than double the national average relative to the general workforce. Consequently, the job market is likely competitive for employers seeking to fill these roles, and abundant for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,590↓ 3% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,070↓ 5% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,260↓ 8% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,020↓ 9% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,380↓ 11% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Birmingham, AL is $27,360. This typically ranges from $23,220 for entry-level positions to $34,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 12.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Birmingham, AL is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $27,360 is notably lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($26,590) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of fast food jobs compare to the national average in Birmingham?
Birmingham has 10.802 jobs per 1,000 workers in the fast-food cook sector, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this industry.
What is the total number of fast food cooks in Birmingham?
There are approximately 5,590 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in the Birmingham, AL area.
Does experience impact salary for fast food cooks in Birmingham?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or supervisory roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting career progression.
How does Birmingham's cost of living affect the salary?
Birmingham's cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the lower-than-average salary of $27,360 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally affordable nor expensive relative to income.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,590 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 10.802 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 Birmingham, AL