Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV
In Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,970. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs influence compensation for this role within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,090.
- Outlook: The Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV area supports a substantial workforce of approximately 1,400 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 3.05, indicating a concentration significantly higher than the national average, the demand for these professionals in the local market is robust and well-established.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV earns-10.2%below the national average.
$13.5
$538
$2,331
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Hagerstown-Martinsburg is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks, Fast Food over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may fall into the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with supervisory or specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,020 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,978 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,510 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,963 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,090 | $15.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,970 in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
1,400
Total Jobs
13.2
Per 1K Jobs
3.05
Location Quotient
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV has 3.0x 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.
A Location Quotient of 3.05 signifies that Cooks, Fast Food are employed in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV at a rate over three times the national average. This indicates a highly concentrated job market, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially competitive environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Chambersburg, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,610↓ 1% | 20 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,780↑ 3% | 29 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,350↑ 1% | 40 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,050↑ 0% | 57 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,850↑ 3% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV is $27,970. This typically ranges from $24,020 for entry-level positions to $33,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV is 10.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV 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 is below the national average, indicating less financial advantage in this specific role.
Is Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Chambersburg, PA ($27,610) and Gettysburg, PA.
How does the number of fast food cooks in Hagerstown-Martinsburg compare to the national average?
Hagerstown-Martinsburg has 13.2 fast food cooks per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, as indicated by its Location Quotient of 3.05.
What is the total number of fast food cooks in the Hagerstown-Martinsburg area?
The Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV area employs approximately 1,400 individuals in roles as Cooks, Fast Food.
Does experience impact salary for fast food cooks in this region?
Yes, as with most roles, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks or those with supervisory duties typically earn more than entry-level staff.
How does the cost of living affect the $27,970 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $27,970 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it stretches as far as the national average salary does.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,400 employees in the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV area with a job density of 13.2 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 Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV