Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Gadsden, AL
In Gadsden, AL, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $24,560. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Gadsden area. The cost of living in Gadsden aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal earnings are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,770.
- Outlook: The Gadsden, AL job market for Cooks, Fast Food shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 4.1, significantly exceeding the national average. This high concentration, coupled with a local workforce of 590 individuals in this role, suggests a robust and established demand for fast-food cooking professionals within the region. The substantial number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the presence of a strong local industry for these positions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Gadsden, AL earns-21.1%below the national average.
$11.8
$472
$2,047
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Gadsden's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for food services likely contribute to gradual salary increases for these roles over time, even if the pace differs from national averages.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Gadsden, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Gadsden, AL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,080 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,420 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,410 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,700 | $14.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,770 | $13.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,560 for Cooks, Fast Food in Gadsden, AL, is directly comparable to the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the average earnings in Gadsden provide a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage in terms of real income for those residing in Gadsden.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
17.776
Per 1K Jobs
4.1
Location Quotient
Gadsden, AL has 4.1x 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.
Gadsden, AL, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 4.1. This significantly above-average concentration indicates that this profession is disproportionately represented in Gadsden compared to the rest of the nation. Such a high quotient suggests a strong local demand and a potentially competitive environment for both employers seeking staff and individuals seeking employment in this specific role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,980↑ 2% | 26 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,360↑ 11% | 56 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,160↑ 15% | 60 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,020↑ 10% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Gadsden, AL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Gadsden, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Gadsden, AL is $24,560. This typically ranges from $21,080 for entry-level positions to $28,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gadsden, AL is 21.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Gadsden, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Gadsden is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in nominal terms.
Is Gadsden, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Gadsden, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gadsden, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Anniston-Oxford, AL ($24,980) and Birmingham, AL.
How does Gadsden's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Gadsden, AL is $24,560, which is notably lower than the national average of $31,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 4.1 mean for fast-food cooks in Gadsden?
A Location Quotient of 4.1 signifies that fast-food cooks are over four times more concentrated in Gadsden, AL, than the national average, indicating a high demand and prevalence of this occupation in the area.
Does the cost of living in Gadsden affect the value of the fast-food cook salary?
No, the cost of living in Gadsden is at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $24,560 holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many fast-food cooks are there in Gadsden, AL?
There are approximately 590 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Gadsden, AL, representing a significant portion of the local workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Gadsden, AL area with a job density of 17.776 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 Gadsden, AL