Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Decatur, IL
In Decatur, IL, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $30,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating a minor regional adjustment in compensation. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Decatur's food service sector contribute to this pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,190.
- Outlook: Decatur, IL supports a local workforce of 250 Cooks, Fast Food, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 5.569. The Location Quotient of 1.28 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for fast-food cooking professionals within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, IL earns-1.1%below the national average.
$14.8
$592
$2,567
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur's fast-food cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of gradual salary increases in the service industry. This growth is often driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market demands for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Decatur, IL
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, IL typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at 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 career advancement opportunities within the fast-food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,100 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,700 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,500 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,190 | $15 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $30,800 in Decatur, IL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Decatur is comparable to that of someone earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
5.569
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Decatur, IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.28, Decatur, IL exhibits a slightly higher concentration of fast-food cook positions than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Decatur is moderately competitive, with a notable presence of these roles, potentially offering more opportunities than areas with a lower quotient, but not indicating an oversaturated market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,750↓ 0% | 34 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,270↓ 2% | 34 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,280↓ 2% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, IL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Decatur, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, IL is $30,800. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $31,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, IL is 1.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Decatur, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not significantly lucrative, but it is stable.The average salary of $30,800 is slightly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there isn't a substantial financial advantage for fast-food cooks in Decatur.
Is Decatur, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($30,750) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Decatur, IL salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, IL is $30,800, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Decatur, IL relative to the national average?
Decatur, IL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Fast Food Cook jobs in Decatur, IL?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, IL is 1.28, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
What does the total local workforce of 250 mean for job seekers?
A local workforce of 250 suggests a moderate number of available positions, implying a stable job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Decatur, IL, rather than an extremely competitive or scarce one.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Decatur, IL area with a job density of 5.569 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 Decatur, IL