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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Decatur, AL

In Decatur, AL, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $27,020. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Decatur job market. Understanding these local nuances is crucial for anyone in this profession.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,110.
  • Outlook: Decatur, AL boasts a significant local workforce of 760 Cooks, Fast Food, with a robust concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.98. This suggests a higher-than-average presence of this role within the local economy, implying consistent demand and a stable job market for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,020

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, AL earns-13.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13

Weekly

$520

Monthly

$2,252

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, AL, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,430$10.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,265$9.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,360$13.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,775$16.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$33,110$15.9

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,020

Adjusted for COL (100)

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Decatur, AL, is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $27,020 for Cooks, Fast Food offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the local cost of living a neutral factor when considering the salary's real value.

Job Market Context

760

Total Jobs

12.915

Per 1K Jobs

2.98

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Decatur, AL has 3.0x 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.

The Location Quotient of 2.98 for Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, AL, signifies a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a potentially competitive market for employers seeking talent, while also presenting ample opportunities for job seekers in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Huntsville, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,160↑ 4%22 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,310↓ 6%42 mi
Gadsden, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$24,560↓ 9%68 mi
Birmingham, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,360↑ 1%73 mi
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,510↑ 6%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Decatur, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, AL is $27,020. This typically ranges from $22,430 for entry-level positions to $33,110 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 13.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur is below the national average, suggesting less lucrative compensation compared to other areas.

Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($28,160) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.

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

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, AL is $27,020, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the cost of living in Decatur, AL for fast food cooks?

Decatur, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated are fast food cook jobs in Decatur, AL?

Decatur, AL has a high concentration of fast food cook jobs, with a Location Quotient of 2.98, meaning these jobs are nearly three times more common there than the national average.

What is the total number of fast food cooks in Decatur, AL?

There are approximately 760 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Decatur, AL, representing a notable segment of the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 12.915 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 Decatur, AL