Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,080. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan areas. The lower average salary is often influenced by local demand, cost structures, and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,070.
- Outlook: The Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 3,820 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a significant presence of this occupation. With a Location Quotient of 5.71, this role is over five times more concentrated than the national average, suggesting a robust and consistent demand for fast-food cooking services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-9.8%below the national average.
$13.5
$540
$2,340
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth is typically driven by increases in the cost of living, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data isn't available, the salary range generally widens with experience, with senior cooks or those in supervisory roles commanding higher pay. The gap between entry-level and senior positions signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,580 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,060 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,630 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,100 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,070 | $14 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,080 in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area 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 equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
3,820
Total Jobs
24.744
Per 1K Jobs
5.71
Location Quotient
Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 5.7x 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.
The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.71 for Cooks, Fast Food in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these roles is significantly greater relative to the national average, making the market quite specialized and potentially competitive for employers seeking to fill positions, while offering ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,200↑ 0% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,300↑ 4% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $28,080. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $29,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 9.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,080 is below the national average of $31,130, although the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($28,200) and Columbia, MO.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks, Fast Food?
A local workforce of 3,820 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this role, suggesting a stable job market with consistent opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 5.71 mean for Fast Food Cooks in Central Missouri?
A Location Quotient of 5.71 signifies that Cooks, Fast Food are over five times more concentrated in this area than the national average, indicating high local demand and specialization.
How does the cost of living affect the $28,080 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $28,080 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower.
Are there opportunities for career growth as a Fast Food Cook in this region?
While specific data isn't provided, the high concentration of the role suggests ongoing demand, which typically supports career progression from entry-level to more experienced positions with potential salary increases.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,820 employees in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 24.744 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 Missouri nonmetropolitan area