Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,270. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating localized economic factors and regional demand influence compensation for these essential roles. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region shapes the earning potential for fast-food cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,850.
- Outlook: The East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area supports a robust workforce of approximately 800 individuals employed as fast-food cooks. With a Location Quotient of 1.29, this region shows a concentration of these jobs that is 29% higher than the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a significant presence of this occupation within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-2.8%below the national average.
$14.6
$582
$2,523
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for roles like fast-food cooks tend to experience modest annual growth, often keeping pace with inflation and incremental increases in minimum wage legislation. Over the past four years, it's reasonable to assume that the average salary in East Central Illinois has seen a gradual upward trend, reflecting broader economic shifts and labor market adjustments.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for fast-food cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, it's understood that individuals with more years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities generally command higher salaries. The salary spectrum likely shows a noticeable increase from the lowest earners to those in senior positions, signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| 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) | $22,703 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,838 | $18.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,850 | $16.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,270 in East Central Illinois aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by fast-food cooks in this region has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage when comparing financial well-being to the national standard.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
5.576
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.29 for fast-food cooks in the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for fast-food cooks in this region is relatively more abundant or in higher demand than in many other parts of the country, potentially offering more employment opportunities for individuals in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,800↑ 2% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,310↑ 3% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,310↑ 3% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $30,270. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $34,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 2.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the salary is close to the national average, it does not offer a substantial financial advantage. The cost of living being at the national average further indicates that the earning potential is comparable rather than exceptionally high.
Is East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($30,800) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
How does the salary compare to the national average for fast food cooks?
The average annual salary for fast food cooks in East Central Illinois is $30,270, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast food cooks in this region?
The region has a higher concentration of fast food cooks than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.29.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in East Central Illinois is at the national average (100), meaning the $30,270 salary has average purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With approximately 800 fast food cooks employed locally, the workforce size indicates a stable presence of this occupation, supported by the higher-than-average Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.576 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 East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area