Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
In Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $26,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in this region influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, plays a significant role in shaping the earning potential for fast-food cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,520.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,060 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 2.91 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a potentially stable job market for fast-food cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL earns-15.9%below the national average.
$12.6
$503
$2,181
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase is typical across many service industry roles as businesses adapt to changing economic conditions and labor market pressures.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with years of experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased responsibility and expertise within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,410 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,628 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,190 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,713 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,520 | $14.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,170 in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, 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 comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
12.616
Per 1K Jobs
2.91
Location Quotient
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL has 2.9x 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 2.91, Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where demand for these services is proportionally greater than in many other regions, potentially offering more employment opportunities but also indicating a substantial pool of local talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,380↑ 1% | 14 mi |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,990↑ 18% | 43 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,670↓ 10% | 72 mi |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,760↑ 21% | 78 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,170↓ 11% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL is $26,170. This typically ranges from $21,410 for entry-level positions to $30,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL is 15.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food is below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role and location.
Is Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mobile, AL ($26,380) and Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL.
How does the number of fast-food cooks in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL compare nationally?
There are 12.616 fast-food cooks per 1,000 workers in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, which is substantially higher than the national average due to the high Location Quotient.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for fast-food cooks in this area?
An LQ of 2.91 means there are nearly three times as many fast-food cooks per worker in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
Does experience impact a fast-food cook's salary in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL?
Yes, like most professions, experience is a key factor. More experienced cooks can command higher wages, reflecting their skills and efficiency, though the overall salary range may still be influenced by the local market.
How does the cost of living affect the $26,170 salary for fast-food cooks?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $26,170 salary has average purchasing power. Your earnings will stretch similarly to the national average, meaning expenses are neither exceptionally high nor low.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL area with a job density of 12.616 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 Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL