Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $23,550. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different labor market dynamic. The lower average pay is often influenced by the cost of labor and the economic structure of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,200.
- Outlook: The Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 2,180 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 2.92, this role is significantly more concentrated in this region than the national average, indicating a robust demand and a specialized labor market for these positions. The presence of over 12 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for fast-food cooks in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-24.3%below the national average.
$11.3
$453
$1,963
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Central Kentucky is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and shifts in minimum wage policies typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for service industry roles, even in nonmetropolitan areas.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, it's common for experienced cooks to earn above the average, potentially reaching the 75th or 90th percentile, signifying a clear salary increase with acquired skills and tenure. These percentile gaps highlight the potential for career advancement and higher earning capacity within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,720 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,663 | $8.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,520 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,438 | $14.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,200 | $14 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,550 in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national standard, as everyday expenses are not inflated.
Job Market Context
2,180
Total Jobs
12.637
Per 1K Jobs
2.92
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.9x 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 2.92 for Cooks, Fast Food in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area signifies a highly concentrated job market for this profession. This elevated quotient suggests that the demand for fast-food cooks is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, making the market quite competitive for employers seeking talent and offering ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,750↑ 9% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,250↑ 7% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,840↑ 14% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,360↑ 25% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $23,550. This typically ranges from $18,720 for entry-level positions to $29,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 24.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a lucrative place based on average salary.The average annual salary of $23,550 is significantly below the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($25,750) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the concentration of fast food cooks in Central Kentucky compare nationally?
The concentration is significantly higher, with a Location Quotient of 2.92, indicating more than double the national average presence of this role relative to the workforce.
What is the total number of fast food cooks in this region?
There are approximately 2,180 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Does experience impact salary for fast food cooks in this area?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with senior roles commanding more than entry-level positions, reflecting a standard career progression.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for fast food cooks?
The cost of living in Central Kentucky is at the national average (100), meaning the lower average salary of $23,550 has purchasing power equivalent 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 2,180 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 12.637 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 Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area