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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Georgia

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Georgia earn an average annual salary of $27,750. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics within the state. The concentration of this role and the overall demand influence the compensation offered to these essential workers.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,320.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,040 individuals in this role, Georgia presents a substantial, albeit less concentrated, market for fast-food cooks compared to the national average (Location Quotient of 0.29). The presence of 1.244 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, consistent demand for these positions throughout the state, suggesting a stable job market for those entering or established in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,750

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Georgia earns-10.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.3

Weekly

$534

Monthly

$2,313

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Georgia

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Georgia 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 percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,030$10.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,813$10
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,470$12.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,688$16.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,320$16.5

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,110

Adjusted for COL (89.2)

The nominal average salary of $27,750 in Georgia for fast-food cooks is significantly influenced by the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.2, which is below the national average of 100. This means that despite earning less in absolute terms compared to the national average, the purchasing power of a Georgia-based cook's salary may be relatively stronger, allowing for a comparable or even improved standard of living.

Job Market Context

6,040

Total Jobs

1.244

Per 1K Jobs

0.29

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.29x, Georgia has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

Georgia's Location Quotient of 0.29 for Cooks, Fast Food indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid workforce, the job market is not saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals. However, it also implies that the demand might be more localized or spread across a larger geographic area than in more concentrated regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Warner Robins, GA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,500↓ 8%31 mi
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,530↑ 3%65 mi
Columbus, GA-AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,990↓ 6%81 mi

Comparing salaries near Georgia

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Georgia?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Georgia is $27,750. This typically ranges from $22,030 for entry-level positions to $34,320 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Georgia is 10.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Georgia a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $27,750 is below the national average, Georgia's lower cost of living (89.2) means the effective purchasing power of this salary is relatively strong.

Is Georgia a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.2 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Georgia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Warner Robins, GA ($25,500) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.

How does Georgia's cost of living affect fast-food cook salaries?

Georgia's cost of living is 10.8% lower than the national average, meaning the $27,750 salary can potentially cover expenses more affordably than a higher salary in a more expensive state.

What is the job outlook for fast-food cooks in Georgia?

The job outlook appears stable, with a workforce of over 6,000 and a consistent presence of jobs per capita, indicating ongoing demand for these roles.

How does Georgia's job concentration compare nationally for fast-food cooks?

Georgia has a lower concentration of fast-food cooks relative to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.29, suggesting it's not a primary hub for this specific occupation.

Can fast-food cooks expect salary increases with experience in Georgia?

Yes, experience typically leads to higher earnings, with senior or supervisory roles commanding better compensation than entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,040 employees in the Georgia area with a job density of 1.244 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 Georgia