Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Chico, CA
Fast Food Cooks in Chico, CA, earn an average annual salary of $37,780, significantly exceeding the national average of $31,130. This higher compensation in Chico is likely driven by a combination of local market demand and the specific economic conditions within the region, reflecting a localized premium for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,990.
- Outlook: Chico, CA, presents a robust employment landscape for Fast Food Cooks, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 630 individuals. The location quotient of 1.86 indicates a concentration of these jobs nearly double the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand within the area that outpaces national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Chico, CA earns+21.4%above the national average.
$18.2
$727
$3,148
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chico's Fast Food Cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically contribute to modest annual salary increases for most occupations, including those in the food service sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Chico, CA
Career progression for Fast Food Cooks in Chico, CA, typically involves a noticeable salary increase from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While exact figures vary, the gap between the lower and upper percentiles of earnings signifies opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as cooks gain skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,840 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,335 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,060 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,225 | $22.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,990 | $20.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $37,780 in Chico, CA, 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 Chico is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average in a location with average living expenses.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
8.062
Per 1K Jobs
1.86
Location Quotient
Chico, CA has 1.9x 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.
With a location quotient of 1.86, Chico, CA, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Fast Food Cook positions compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent, potentially leading to better opportunities and compensation for skilled cooks in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Yuba City, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $38,440↑ 2% | 44 mi |
| Redding, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,720↓ 0% | 63 mi |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,980↑ 1% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chico, CA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Chico, CA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Chico, CA is $37,780. This typically ranges from $33,840 for entry-level positions to $42,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chico, CA is 21.4% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Chico, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, Chico, CA offers a more lucrative environment for Fast Food Cooks than the national average.Fast Food Cooks in Chico earn approximately $6,650 more annually than their national counterparts, and the local cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing the value of this higher salary.
Is Chico, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Chico, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chico, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Yuba City, CA ($38,440) and Redding, CA.
How does the Chico Fast Food Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Chico, CA, is $37,780, which is considerably higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the job concentration for Fast Food Cooks in Chico, CA?
Chico, CA has a job concentration (Location Quotient) of 1.86 for Fast Food Cooks, indicating that the occupation is nearly twice as prevalent there compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Chico, CA affect the salary?
Chico, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the higher local salary for Fast Food Cooks provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number mean for Fast Food Cooks in Chico?
With 630 Fast Food Cooks in Chico, CA, it represents a significant portion of the local labor market, suggesting a stable demand for these services within the community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Chico, CA area with a job density of 8.062 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 Chico, CA