Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,470. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, a common occurrence in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of labor and operational expenses can differ significantly from urban centers. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this region shape the compensation for fast food cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,010.
- Outlook: The job market for fast food cooks in Eastern New Mexico appears stable, with a total local workforce of 790 individuals in this role. The location quotient of 1.11 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a steady, albeit not booming, demand for fast food services within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earns-5.3%below the national average.
$14.2
$567
$2,456
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for fast food cooks have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and the ongoing need for consistent staffing in the quick-service restaurant sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
For Cooks, Fast Food, salary progression typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory skills or specialized knowledge can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify this career progression from junior to senior roles within the fast food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,730 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,103 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,540 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,838 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,010 | $15.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,470 in Eastern New Mexico aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
4.816
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.11, the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area shows a concentration of fast food cook positions that is 11% higher than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is slightly elevated relative to the general population, potentially offering a reasonable number of job opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,510↑ 4% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,180↑ 9% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is $29,470. This typically ranges from $27,730 for entry-level positions to $33,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 5.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,470 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($30,510) and Santa Fe, NM.
How does the number of fast food cooks in Eastern New Mexico compare to the national average?
Eastern New Mexico has 4.816 fast food cooks per 1,000 workers, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a slightly higher prevalence of these roles in the local workforce.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for fast food cooks in this region?
An LQ of 1.11 means that fast food cook jobs are 11% more concentrated in Eastern New Mexico than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher demand or availability of these positions relative to other occupations.
Does experience significantly impact a fast food cook's salary in Eastern New Mexico?
Yes, as with most roles, experience typically leads to higher earning potential for fast food cooks, with senior or supervisory positions commanding better compensation than entry-level roles.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of a fast food cook's salary in Eastern New Mexico?
With a cost of living index of 100 (matching the national average), the $29,470 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the slightly lower nominal wage is offset by lower living expenses.
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 Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.816 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 Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area