SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,740. This figure is slightly above the national average of $31,130, suggesting a modest premium for this role in the region. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the fast-food sector likely contribute to this compensation level.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,740 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,470.
  • Outlook: The job market for Fast Food Cooks in the East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of 490 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a steady, though not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,740

The average Cooks, Fast Food in East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area earns+2.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.3

Weekly

$610

Monthly

$2,645

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area

As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Fast Food Cooks. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher wages. The progression from entry-level to more experienced roles is often reflected in increasing salary percentiles, signifying career advancement and greater responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,660$13.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,805$11.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,330$15.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,675$19.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,470$17.5

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,740

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,740

Adjusted for COL (100)

With a nominal average annual salary of $31,740 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, the purchasing power for Fast Food Cooks in the East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is directly comparable to the national standard. This means that the salary earned here will generally cover expenses at a rate consistent with the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

490

Total Jobs

3.643

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area has 0.84x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.84 for Fast Food Cooks in the East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area suggests that the job market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage compared to the national landscape. While the occupation is present and necessary, the concentration is slightly below the national average, implying a balanced supply and demand dynamic.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is $31,740. This typically ranges from $28,660 for entry-level positions to $36,470 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 2.0% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not exceptionally lucrative, but competitive.While the average salary of $31,740 is slightly above the national average, the location's Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, offering standard purchasing power. The slightly lower than average Location Quotient suggests a stable but not booming job market.

Is East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in the East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is $31,740, which is slightly higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the Cost of Living in East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area?

The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.

How many Fast Food Cooks are there in this area?

There are approximately 490 Fast Food Cooks employed in the East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area.

Is there high demand for Fast Food Cooks in this region?

The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks is slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not exceptionally high demand for these roles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.643 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.