Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
Cooks in the fast-food sector in Fargo, ND-MN earn an average annual salary of $31,460. This figure is slightly above the national average of $31,130, suggesting a localized demand or regional economic factors that influence compensation for these essential roles. The specific pay in Fargo reflects the interplay between local labor market dynamics and the cost of goods and services within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,890.
- Outlook: The Fargo, ND-MN area supports a local workforce of 260 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.41, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, indicating that while the profession exists, it is not a disproportionately dominant sector within the local economy compared to national trends. The presence of 1.758 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for fast-food culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Fargo, ND-MN earns+1.1%above the national average.
$15.1
$605
$2,622
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fargo's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally anticipated that compensation in this sector has seen incremental growth, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. Such increases are typically driven by rising operational costs for businesses and a sustained need for quick-service dining options, pushing average salaries upward over time.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Fargo, ND-MN
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Fargo, ND-MN typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain more experience and take on greater responsibilities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,730 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,595 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,500 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,325 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,890 | $19.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,460 in Fargo, ND-MN aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Fargo is equivalent to that of a fast-food cook earning the national average in a typical U.S. location. Consequently, the salary offers a standard level of economic stability relative to the local cost of essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
1.758
Per 1K Jobs
0.41
Location Quotient
At 0.41x, Fargo, ND-MN has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.41, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Fargo, ND-MN is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities available, the field is not oversaturated, and the demand is moderate relative to other professions. Employers may find it moderately competitive to attract talent, but the overall market is not characterized by an overwhelming abundance of these specific roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, ND-MN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,550↓ 3% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fargo, ND-MN
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Fargo, ND-MN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Fargo, ND-MN is $31,460. This typically ranges from $22,730 for entry-level positions to $39,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fargo, ND-MN is 1.1% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Fargo, ND-MN a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but on par with the national average.The average salary of $31,460 is only slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates standard earning potential rather than exceptional financial gain.
Is Fargo, ND-MN a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Fargo, ND-MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fargo, ND-MN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Forks, ND-MN ($30,550) and others.
How does Fargo's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Fargo, ND-MN is $31,460, which is slightly higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Fargo compared to the rest of the US?
Fargo has a lower concentration of fast-food cooks than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.41.
Does the cost of living in Fargo affect the value of a fast-food cook's salary?
No, the cost of living in Fargo is at the national average (100), meaning the local salary of $31,460 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for fast-food cooks in Fargo?
With 1.758 jobs per 1,000 workers, it indicates a moderate level of employment for fast-food cooks in Fargo, suggesting consistent but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Fargo, ND-MN area with a job density of 1.758 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 Fargo, ND-MN