Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Cleveland, OH
In Cleveland, OH, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $29,620. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation for this role. Understanding these local factors is crucial for anyone in or considering this profession in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,470.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,340 Cooks, Fast Food, and a jobs per 1,000 workers ratio of 1.292, the market in Cleveland indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.3 further suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a potentially stable but not rapidly expanding job landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Cleveland, OH earns-4.9%below the national average.
$14.2
$570
$2,468
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cleveland's fast-food cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for quick-service dining likely contribute to modest but consistent salary growth for these essential workers.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Cleveland, OH
The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Cleveland, OH, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential as individuals gain more experience and responsibility within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,030 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,215 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,660 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,025 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,470 | $18 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $29,620 in Cleveland, OH, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is slightly lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, indicating a balanced economic environment for fast-food workers.
Job Market Context
1,340
Total Jobs
1.292
Per 1K Jobs
0.3
Location Quotient
At 0.30x, Cleveland, OH has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
Cleveland's Location Quotient of 0.3 for Cooks, Fast Food indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these workers, the market is not saturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities without intense competition for entry-level roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,110↓ 15% | 29 mi |
| Canton-Massillon, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,450↓ 11% | 49 mi |
| Sandusky, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,130↓ 5% | 53 mi |
| Mansfield, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,510↓ 14% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cleveland, OH
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Cleveland, OH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Cleveland, OH is $29,620. This typically ranges from $25,030 for entry-level positions to $37,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cleveland, OH is 4.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Cleveland, OH a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Cleveland, OH is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,620 is below the national average of $31,130, and the Location Quotient of 0.3 indicates lower concentration of these jobs relative to the nation.
Is Cleveland, OH a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Cleveland, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cleveland, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Akron, OH ($25,110) and Canton-Massillon, OH.
How does Cleveland's cost of living affect fast-food cook salaries?
Cleveland's cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the slightly below-average salary of $29,620 offers comparable purchasing power to the national average salary in higher cost-of-living areas.
What is the job market like for fast-food cooks in Cleveland?
The market is stable with 1,340 workers and a concentration (LQ) of 0.3, suggesting consistent demand but not an oversupply of jobs compared to the national landscape.
Can fast-food cooks expect salary increases with experience in Cleveland?
Yes, like most roles, experience is expected to increase earning potential, with salary gaps between entry-level and senior positions reflecting career progression opportunities.
How does Cleveland compare to the national average for fast-food cook employment?
Cleveland has fewer fast-food cooks per capita than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.3, suggesting a less saturated job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the Cleveland, OH area with a job density of 1.292 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 Cleveland, OH