Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Eau Claire, WI
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Eau Claire, WI, earn an average annual salary of $27,340. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Eau Claire market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,460.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 320 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.85, the fast-food cook market in Eau Claire exhibits a concentration slightly below the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the community, indicating a consistent job availability for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Eau Claire, WI earns-12.2%below the national average.
$13.1
$526
$2,278
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Eau Claire's fast-food cooks is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries in this sector have seen modest but consistent growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and increasing minimum wage laws. This trend is likely reflected in Eau Claire, with potential for slight upward adjustments in compensation for cooks.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Eau Claire, WI
Salary progression for fast-food cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,870 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,505 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,310 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,175 | $16.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,460 | $16.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,340 in Eau Claire, WI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this specific role, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
3.699
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Eau Claire, WI has 0.85x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.85 for fast-food cooks in Eau Claire indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a slightly more competitive environment for job seekers looking to enter or advance in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,360↑ 15% | 74 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,670↑ 19% | 87 mi |
| Wausau, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,030↑ 3% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eau Claire, WI
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Eau Claire, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Eau Claire, WI is $27,340. This typically ranges from $19,870 for entry-level positions to $33,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eau Claire, WI is 12.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Eau Claire, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary for fast-food cooks in Eau Claire is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage means less disposable income compared to national averages.
Is Eau Claire, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Eau Claire, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eau Claire, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Rochester, MN ($31,360) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.
How does the number of fast-food cooks in Eau Claire compare nationally?
Eau Claire has approximately 3.7 fast-food cooks per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average concentration for this profession.
What is the impact of the Location Quotient on job availability?
A Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests that the demand for fast-food cooks in Eau Claire is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not booming job market for this role.
Does experience significantly increase a fast-food cook's salary in Eau Claire?
Yes, similar to national trends, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression, with senior cooks earning considerably more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the $27,340 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $27,340 salary in Eau Claire offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Eau Claire, WI area with a job density of 3.699 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 Eau Claire, WI