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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Fairbanks-College, AK

Cooks in the fast-food industry in Fairbanks-College, Alaska, earn an average annual salary of $33,080. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a premium for this role in the Alaskan market. Factors such as the higher cost of operations and the unique logistical challenges of working in Alaska likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,080 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,520.
  • Outlook: The job market for Fast Food Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 530 individuals in this role. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 3.38, significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting a strong and sustained demand for these services within the region compared to other occupations.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,080

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Fairbanks-College, AK earns+6.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.9

Weekly

$636

Monthly

$2,757

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Fairbanks-College, AK

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated skills and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,400$11.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,810$11.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,950$17.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,350$19.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,520$17.6

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,080

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,080

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $33,080 in Fairbanks-College, AK, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that while the salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living.

Job Market Context

530

Total Jobs

14.632

Per 1K Jobs

3.38

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Fairbanks-College, AK has 3.4x 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 3.38, Fairbanks-College, AK, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Fast Food Cooks relative to the rest of the United States. This suggests that the demand for these workers is substantially higher in this area, making the job market potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent but offering more opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Fairbanks-College, AK?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Fairbanks-College, AK is $33,080. This typically ranges from $24,400 for entry-level positions to $36,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fairbanks-College, AK is 6.3% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Fairbanks-College, AK a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, with a caveat.The average salary of $33,080 is higher than the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased pay doesn't translate to greater purchasing power.

Is Fairbanks-College, AK a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Fairbanks-College, AK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the number of Fast Food Cooks in Fairbanks-College compare nationally?

Fairbanks-College has 14.632 Fast Food Cooks per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Fast Food Cooks in Fairbanks-College?

A Location Quotient of 3.38 means that Fast Food Cooks are over three times more concentrated in Fairbanks-College than in the average U.S. location, highlighting a specialized demand.

Does experience impact a Fast Food Cook's salary in Fairbanks-College?

Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role, with senior cooks earning more than entry-level positions, reflecting a clear career progression path.

How does the cost of living affect the salary of a Fast Food Cook in Fairbanks-College?

The cost of living in Fairbanks-College is at the national average (100), meaning the higher-than-average salary of $33,080 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Fairbanks-College, AK area with a job density of 14.632 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fairbanks-College, AK