Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Fresno, CA
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Fresno, CA, earn an average annual salary of $36,560, significantly exceeding the national average of $31,130. This higher compensation is largely influenced by the specific economic landscape and demand within the Fresno metropolitan area, reflecting local market dynamics rather than just the role itself.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,600.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Fresno, CA, appears robust, supported by a substantial local workforce of 4,610 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.26 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly 2.3 times higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a significant presence of fast-food establishments within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Fresno, CA earns+17.4%above the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,047
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Fresno is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks, Fast Food over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer demand for quick-service dining likely contribute to a gradual but consistent increase in compensation for these positions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Fresno, CA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Fresno, CA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,420 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,160 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,700 | $22 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,600 | $20 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Fresno, CA, the nominal average salary of $36,560 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 Fresno is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the higher wages effectively offset the local cost of living, making it neither significantly more nor less affordable than the typical US city.
Job Market Context
4,610
Total Jobs
9.807
Per 1K Jobs
2.26
Location Quotient
Fresno, CA has 2.3x 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.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.26 for Cooks, Fast Food in Fresno, CA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. An LQ above 1.0 indicates that this profession is more prevalent in Fresno than the national average. This suggests a strong demand for fast-food cooks relative to other occupations in the area, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,320↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Visalia, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,200↑ 2% | 41 mi |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $38,020↑ 4% | 46 mi |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,930↑ 4% | 46 mi |
| Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,830↑ 3% | 46 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fresno, CA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Fresno, CA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Fresno, CA is $36,560. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $41,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fresno, CA is 17.4% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Fresno, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, Fresno, CA offers a more lucrative environment for Cooks, Fast Food compared to the national average.The average annual salary in Fresno ($36,560) is notably higher than the national average ($31,130), and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating better purchasing power for local workers.
Is Fresno, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Fresno, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fresno, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($37,320) and Visalia, CA.
How does Fresno's salary for fast-food cooks compare to the national average?
Cooks, Fast Food in Fresno, CA, earn an average of $36,560 annually, which is approximately $5,430 more than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Fresno compared to the rest of the US?
Fresno has a significantly higher concentration of fast-food cooks, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.26, meaning the job is more than twice as common there compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Fresno affect the value of the fast-food cook salary?
No, the cost of living in Fresno is exactly at the national average (100), so the higher nominal salary translates directly to comparable purchasing power.
How many fast-food cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Fresno?
There are approximately 9.8 fast-food cook jobs for every 1,000 workers in Fresno, CA, highlighting the prevalence of this occupation in the local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,610 employees in the Fresno, CA area with a job density of 9.807 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 Fresno, CA