Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Fast Food Cooks in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,430, significantly surpassing the national average of $31,130. This higher compensation is likely driven by the region's robust economy and higher operational costs, which necessitate competitive wages to attract and retain talent in the fast-paced food service industry.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,080.
- Outlook: The Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area supports a substantial local workforce of 3,940 Fast Food Cooks. While the Location Quotient of 0.34 indicates a lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the presence of nearly four thousand workers suggests a consistent demand and a stable job market for this profession within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+26.7%above the national average.
$19
$758
$3,286
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally observed across the labor market, influenced by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving economic conditions that often lead to upward adjustments in compensation for service industry roles.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role highlight the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity as individuals gain expertise and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,700 | $17.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,573 | $14.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,730 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,288 | $23.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,080 | $21.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $39,430 in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, as the cost of goods and services in the region is not elevated relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
3,940
Total Jobs
1.456
Per 1K Jobs
0.34
Location Quotient
At 0.34x, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.34, the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area has a lower concentration of Fast Food Cooks relative to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, they are not as densely populated as in other regions, potentially indicating a less saturated market but also perhaps fewer opportunities compared to areas with a higher LQ. Nonetheless, the substantial local workforce indicates a persistent need for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $41,030↑ 4% | 24 mi |
| Worcester, MA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,650↓ 7% | 37 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,890↓ 12% | 38 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,880↓ 6% | 50 mi |
| Barnstable Town, MA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $38,210↓ 3% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $39,430. This typically ranges from $35,700 for entry-level positions to $45,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 26.7% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, it offers higher pay than the national average.Fast Food Cooks in this region earn approximately $8,000 more annually than the national average. However, this higher nominal wage is offset by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($41,030) and Worcester, MA.
How does the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $39,430, which is considerably higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area?
There are approximately 3,940 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area.
Does the Cost of Living in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH affect the value of a Fast Food Cook's salary?
The Cost of Living Index for Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $39,430 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is the job market for Fast Food Cooks concentrated in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
No, the Location Quotient of 0.34 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks is lower in this region compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,940 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 1.456 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH