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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Dothan, AL

Fast Food Cooks in Dothan, AL, earn an average annual salary of $24,280. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operating costs in Dothan influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of the region plays a significant role in shaping the pay scale for this profession.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $24,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,510.
  • Outlook: The Dothan, AL market for Fast Food Cooks shows a robust local presence, with a total workforce of 790 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 3.01 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a specialized job market for fast food preparation.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$24,280

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Dothan, AL earns-22.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$11.7

Weekly

$467

Monthly

$2,023

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Dothan, AL

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Dothan, AL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$18,210$8.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$22,880$11
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$30,350$14.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$28,510$13.7

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$24,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$24,280

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $24,280 in Dothan, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services in Dothan is also at the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of the salary is relatively stable compared to other areas.

Job Market Context

790

Total Jobs

13.047

Per 1K Jobs

3.01

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Dothan, 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.

With a Location Quotient of 3.01, Dothan, AL, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Fast Food Cooks, meaning these jobs are significantly more prevalent here than in the average U.S. location. This high concentration suggests a strong demand for these workers and potentially a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Albany, GA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$23,430↓ 4%76 mi
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$31,760↑ 31%77 mi
Montgomery, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,720↑ 6%92 mi

Comparing salaries near Dothan, AL

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Dothan, AL is $24,280. This typically ranges from $21,410 for entry-level positions to $28,510 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Dothan, AL is 22.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Dothan, 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 of $24,280 is substantially lower than the national average of $31,130, indicating less earning potential in this specific role.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Dothan, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, GA ($23,430) and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL.

How does Dothan's job market compare nationally for Fast Food Cooks?

Dothan, AL, has a significantly higher concentration of Fast Food Cook jobs compared to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.01.

What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in Dothan, AL?

The average annual salary for a Fast Food Cook in Dothan, AL, is $24,280.

How does the cost of living in Dothan, AL affect salary perception?

The cost of living in Dothan, AL, is at the national average (100), meaning the $24,280 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being below the national salary average.

Are there many Fast Food Cook jobs in Dothan, AL?

Yes, there are 13.047 Fast Food Cook jobs per 1,000 workers in Dothan, AL, which is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a strong local demand.

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 Dothan, AL area with a job density of 13.047 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 Dothan, AL