SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL

In Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $31,760. This figure is slightly above the national average of $31,130, suggesting a modest premium for this role within the local market. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the hospitality sector likely contribute to this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,760 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,880.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, comprises approximately 240 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.45, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated but potentially stable demand within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,760

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL earns+2.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.3

Weekly

$611

Monthly

$2,647

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,960$12
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,820$11.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,040$14.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,700$19.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,880$18.2

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,760

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,760

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,760 in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

1.932

Per 1K Jobs

0.45

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.45x, Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.45 indicates that Cooks, Fast Food are less concentrated in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, compared to the national average. This suggests that while the role is present, it is not a dominant industry sector, potentially leading to a more balanced employer-employee market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

Comparing salaries near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is $31,760. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $37,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 2.0% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative, but stable.The average salary is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high earning potential for fast-food cooks in this region.

Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL ($30,990) and Dothan, AL.

What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is $31,760.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL ($31,760) is slightly higher than the national average ($31,130).

What does the Location Quotient of 0.45 mean for job availability?

A Location Quotient of 0.45 suggests that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks is lower than the national average, implying a less competitive but potentially stable job market.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in this area?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $31,760 has the same purchasing power as the national average, indicating a neutral impact on real wages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area with a job density of 1.932 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.