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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Cooks in the fast-food industry in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, earn an average annual salary of $33,640. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a higher demand for these services contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,130.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 830 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.36, the fast-food cook sector in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, indicates a specialized but present demand. While not a significantly concentrated industry compared to the national average, the existing workforce suggests a stable need for these services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,640

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY earns+8.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.2

Weekly

$647

Monthly

$2,803

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Career progression for Fast Food Cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by a salary increase. While specific percentile data isn't provided, the typical salary range suggests that experienced cooks can command higher wages, with significant percentile gaps representing opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,200$15
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,230$12.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$32,820$15.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,050$20.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,130$17.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,640

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $33,640 in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, aligns perfectly 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 equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

830

Total Jobs

1.564

Per 1K Jobs

0.36

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.36x, Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.36 for Fast Food Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, signifies that this occupation is less concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Rochester, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary$33,440 1%65 mi

Comparing salaries near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is $33,640. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $36,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 8.1% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, moderately so.Fast Food Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, earn above the national average salary. However, the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, meaning the increased pay offers standard purchasing power.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Rochester, NY ($33,440) and others.

How does the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, is $33,640, which is higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.36, indicating that this occupation is less prevalent in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, compared to the national average.

Does the Cost of Living affect the salary for Fast Food Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The Cost of Living Index in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher-than-average salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.

How many Fast Food Cooks are there in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

There are approximately 830 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area with a job density of 1.564 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.