Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Dover, DE
In Dover, DE, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $28,920. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation in this specific region. Factors such as the concentration of fast-food establishments and the overall demand for these services contribute to this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,020.
- Outlook: Dover, DE supports a local workforce of 250 Cooks, Fast Food, with a location quotient of 0.86, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not a major hub for this specific role, the presence of 3.724 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for fast-food cooks within the city's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Dover, DE earns-7.1%below the national average.
$13.9
$556
$2,410
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dover, DE is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive incremental salary increases across most service industries, including fast food.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Dover, DE
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Dover, DE, like elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or shift supervisors can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food sector.
| 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) | $21,690 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,140 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,150 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,020 | $15.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,920 in Dover, DE, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Dover is comparable to that of a fast-food cook in a national average cost-of-living area, indicating a balanced economic environment for this profession.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
3.724
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Dover, DE has 0.86x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a location quotient of 0.86, Dover, DE, has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it is not oversaturated, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions. The market appears balanced, with demand meeting supply without significant pressure on wages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,920↑ 3% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,030↑ 18% | 35 mi |
| Salisbury, MD Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,000↑ 14% | 54 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,530↑ 9% | 58 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,380↑ 22% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dover, DE
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Dover, DE?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Dover, DE is $28,920. This typically ranges from $27,560 for entry-level positions to $32,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 7.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Dover, DE is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food.The average salary of $28,920 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there isn't a significant financial advantage to working in this role in Dover compared to national benchmarks.
Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($29,920) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Dover's fast food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Dover, DE is $28,920, which is approximately $2,210 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the job market like for fast food cooks in Dover, DE?
Dover has a stable job market for fast food cooks, with 250 individuals employed in this role and a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 3.724, indicating consistent demand.
Does the cost of living in Dover affect the salary for fast food cooks?
The cost of living in Dover is at the national average (100), meaning the $28,920 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting no significant impact from cost of living on the salary's real value.
How concentrated are fast food cook jobs in Dover compared to the rest of the US?
Dover has a slightly lower concentration of fast food cook jobs, as indicated by a location quotient of 0.86, meaning there are fewer such jobs relative to the overall workforce compared to the national average.
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 Dover, DE area with a job density of 3.724 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Fast Food Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Dover, DE
- All Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Production Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Browse All Jobs in Dover, DE →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Dover, DE