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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

In Chattanooga, TN-GA, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,010, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the overall demand for fast food services and the prevailing wage scales within the region's specific labor market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,130.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,040 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.89, the fast food cook job market in Chattanooga appears to be slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these services within the region, indicating a consistent but not overly competitive job environment.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,010

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-13.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13

Weekly

$519

Monthly

$2,251

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fast food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,640$8.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,258$9.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,680$12.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,763$16.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,130$16.9

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,010

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $27,010 in Chattanooga 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 for this specific role, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.

Job Market Context

1,040

Total Jobs

3.86

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.89x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that Cooks, Fast Food are slightly less prevalent in Chattanooga, TN-GA compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers without overwhelming competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Cleveland, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,980↓ 0%23 mi
Huntsville, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,160↑ 4%83 mi
Gadsden, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$24,560↓ 9%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $27,010. This typically ranges from $17,640 for entry-level positions to $35,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 13.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $27,010 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall compensation is not high.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($26,980) and Huntsville, AL.

How does Chattanooga's fast food cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Chattanooga is $27,010, which is $4,120 less than the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of fast food cooks in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a Location Quotient of 0.89 for Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Chattanooga affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chattanooga's cost of living is average nationally. This means the $27,010 salary has average purchasing power locally.

What is the total number of fast food cooks in Chattanooga?

There are approximately 1,040 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,040 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 3.86 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA