Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
In Cape Girardeau, MO-IL, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, a common trend in areas with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,490.
- Outlook: The Cape Girardeau, MO-IL area supports a substantial workforce of 1,020 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 5.24, the concentration of these roles is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a specialized job market for fast-food culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL earns-7.7%below the national average.
$13.8
$553
$2,395
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for quick-service dining, and adjustments to minimum wage laws.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks and shift leaders can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,490 | $12.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,555 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,220 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,925 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,490 | $14.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,740 in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, making it a neutral environment for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,020
Total Jobs
22.715
Per 1K Jobs
5.24
Location Quotient
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL has 5.2x 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.
A Location Quotient of 5.24 for Cooks, Fast Food in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these roles is more than five times the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking staff and a favorable landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Paducah, KY-IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,150↓ 12% | 53 mi |
| St. Louis, MO-IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,810↑ 11% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is $28,740. This typically ranges from $26,490 for entry-level positions to $30,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is 7.7% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Cape Girardeau, MO-IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary aligns with the local cost of living, the average annual pay of $28,740 is below the national average for the role. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher compensation.
Is Cape Girardeau, MO-IL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Paducah, KY-IL ($25,150) and St. Louis, MO-IL.
How does the Cape Girardeau fast food job market compare to the national average?
The job market in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is significantly more concentrated for Cooks, Fast Food, with a Location Quotient of 5.24, indicating a higher demand relative to the national average.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is $28,740.
How does the cost of living in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL affect salary?
The cost of living in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is at the national average (100), meaning the $28,740 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary average.
Are there many fast food jobs in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
Yes, with 22.715 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 5.24, fast food jobs are notably abundant in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL area with a job density of 22.715 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 Cape Girardeau, MO-IL