Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $28,510, which is below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local fast-food sector. The concentration of these roles in the area plays a significant part in shaping compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,940.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 800 individuals in this role, East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a notable concentration of Fast Food Cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.29. This suggests a demand for these professionals that is 29% higher than the national average, implying a relatively robust job market for this specific occupation within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-8.4%below the national average.
$13.7
$548
$2,376
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage trends. This growth is likely driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage legislation, and the ongoing need for consistent staffing in the food service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,500 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,383 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,970 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,638 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,940 | $17.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,510 in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
5.595
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, East Tennessee 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 East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively more abundant or in higher demand within this specific region, potentially leading to more opportunities for job seekers in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,030↑ 12% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,560↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,160↓ 1% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,020↓ 5% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,310↓ 11% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $28,510. This typically ranges from $20,500 for entry-level positions to $36,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 8.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the nominal salary of $28,510 is below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($32,030) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Fast Food Cooks?
A local workforce of 800 suggests a substantial presence of this role, and combined with a Location Quotient above 1, it points to a healthy demand and potentially more job openings than in areas with lower concentrations.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.29 mean for Fast Food Cooks in East Tennessee?
A Location Quotient of 1.29 signifies that Fast Food Cooks are 29% more concentrated in this nonmetropolitan area than the national average, indicating a stronger regional presence and demand for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, meaning it is on par with the national average. This suggests that the expenses for housing, utilities, and everyday goods are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. location.
Can Fast Food Cooks expect salary increases with experience in this region?
Yes, as with most professions, experience is a key driver for salary increases. Senior cooks or those in supervisory roles typically earn more than entry-level staff, reflecting a clear career progression path.
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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.595 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area