Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Delaware
Cooks in fast-food establishments across Delaware earn an average annual salary of $30,240. This figure is marginally lower than the national average of $31,130, suggesting that while the role is present, local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this pay scale. The specific economic landscape and operational costs within Delaware influence compensation for these vital frontline food service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,960.
- Outlook: Delaware's market for fast food cooks, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.38, supports a local workforce of 790 individuals. The presence of 1.657 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not booming, demand for these services. This suggests a stable job market where consistent employment opportunities are available for qualified individuals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Delaware earns-2.9%below the national average.
$14.5
$582
$2,520
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Delaware have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for quick-service dining likely contributed to modest upward adjustments in compensation, aiming to retain staff in a competitive service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Delaware
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Delaware typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range suggests that experienced cooks can expect to earn significantly more than those just starting out, with the gap between entry-level and senior positions reflecting accumulated skills, responsibilities, and potentially supervisory duties.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,560 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,680 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,950 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,800 | $18.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,960 | $16.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,000
Adjusted for COL (100.8)
The average annual salary of $30,240 in Delaware aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 100.8, which is just slightly above the national average of 100. This indicates that the nominal salary, while below the national average for the role, offers purchasing power that is relatively stable compared to the rest of the country. Consumers can expect expenses for goods and services to be comparable to national norms.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
1.657
Per 1K Jobs
0.38
Location Quotient
At 0.38x, Delaware has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.38, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Delaware is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while fast food establishments are present, they do not dominate the local employment landscape to the same extent as they do nationally. Consequently, job seekers might find a less saturated market, but also potentially fewer specialized opportunities compared to more concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,920↓ 4% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,030↑ 13% | 29 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,530↑ 4% | 47 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,380↑ 17% | 56 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,440↑ 11% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Delaware
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Delaware?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Delaware is $30,240. This typically ranges from $27,560 for entry-level positions to $34,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Delaware is 2.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Delaware a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $30,240 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is only marginally higher, indicating average earning potential for this role in the state.
Is Delaware a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Delaware is 100.8. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Delaware?
Some top paying nearby cities include Dover, DE ($28,920) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Delaware's fast food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Delaware is $30,240, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast food cooks in Delaware compared to the rest of the US?
Delaware has a lower concentration of fast food cooks, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.38, meaning the profession is less prevalent in the state relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Delaware affect the salary for fast food cooks?
Delaware's cost of living is 100.8, very close to the national average of 100. This means the $30,240 salary has purchasing power that is nearly equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What is the total number of fast food cooks employed in Delaware?
There are approximately 790 Cooks, Fast Food employed within the state of Delaware.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Delaware area with a job density of 1.657 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 Delaware