Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Elizabethtown, KY
In Elizabethtown, KY, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $25,250. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the Elizabethtown area. The concentration of this role within the local economy plays a significant part in shaping compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,150.
- Outlook: Elizabethtown, KY supports a substantial workforce of 730 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a consistent presence of this occupation. The high Location Quotient of 3.29 suggests that this role is significantly more concentrated in Elizabethtown than the national average, pointing towards robust local demand and a potentially stable job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Elizabethtown, KY earns-18.9%below the national average.
$12.1
$486
$2,104
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elizabethtown's fast-food cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for quick-service dining likely contributed to incremental increases in compensation for these roles.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Elizabethtown, KY
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Elizabethtown, KY, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While exact salary ranges for different experience levels are not detailed, the gap between starting pay and senior positions generally signifies opportunities for increased earnings through acquired skills, responsibility, and tenure within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,810 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,938 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,970 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,563 | $15.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,150 | $14.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,250 in Elizabethtown, KY, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
730
Total Jobs
14.254
Per 1K Jobs
3.29
Location Quotient
Elizabethtown, KY has 3.3x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 3.29, Elizabethtown, KY, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Fast Food compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially competitive market for these roles, suggesting that employers may have a readily available pool of talent, which can influence hiring dynamics and wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,840↑ 6% | 39 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,150↓ 0% | 59 mi |
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,550↓ 7% | 66 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,200↓ 8% | 66 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,930↓ 5% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elizabethtown, KY
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Elizabethtown, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Elizabethtown, KY is $25,250. This typically ranges from $20,810 for entry-level positions to $30,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elizabethtown, KY is 18.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,250 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Elizabethtown, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elizabethtown, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($26,840) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does Elizabethtown's fast food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Elizabethtown, KY is $25,250, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast food cooks in Elizabethtown, KY?
Elizabethtown, KY has a high concentration of Cooks, Fast Food, indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.29, meaning the occupation is over three times more common there than in the U.S. overall.
How does the cost of living in Elizabethtown, KY affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Elizabethtown's cost of living is average. This means the $25,250 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the job market look like for fast food cooks in Elizabethtown, KY?
The market appears robust with a significant local workforce of 730 and a high concentration (LQ 3.29), suggesting consistent demand for these roles within the community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 730 employees in the Elizabethtown, KY area with a job density of 14.254 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 Elizabethtown, KY