Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Hattiesburg, MS
In Hattiesburg, MS, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $23,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially lower operating costs in Hattiesburg influence compensation for this role. The specific economic landscape of the region plays a significant role in shaping these salary expectations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $26,910.
- Outlook: Hattiesburg, MS, supports a local workforce of 790 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 2.91, this role is significantly more concentrated in Hattiesburg than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand for fast-food services relative to other industries. The presence of 12.628 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the substantial employment opportunities available in this sector within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Hattiesburg, MS earns-25.6%below the national average.
$11.1
$446
$1,931
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hattiesburg's fast-food cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for quick-service dining likely contribute to gradual salary growth, even if it hasn't fully closed the gap with the national average.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Hattiesburg, MS
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Hattiesburg, MS, typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will likely fall at 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 expertise within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,170 | $8.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,378 | $8.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,880 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,963 | $13.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $26,910 | $12.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,170 in Hattiesburg, MS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services in Hattiesburg is also at the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable compared to other areas.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
12.628
Per 1K Jobs
2.91
Location Quotient
Hattiesburg, MS has 2.9x 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.
Hattiesburg, MS, exhibits a strong concentration of fast-food cooks, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 2.91. This significantly higher-than-average concentration indicates that the job market for these roles is more abundant and potentially more competitive in Hattiesburg compared to the rest of the United States. Employers may find a larger pool of qualified candidates, but workers might face more competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,670↑ 2% | 63 mi |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $21,410↓ 8% | 76 mi |
| Mobile, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,380↑ 14% | 83 mi |
| Jackson, MS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,320↑ 1% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hattiesburg, MS
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Hattiesburg, MS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Hattiesburg, MS is $23,170. This typically ranges from $18,170 for entry-level positions to $26,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hattiesburg, MS is 25.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Hattiesburg, MS 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 Hattiesburg is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Hattiesburg, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hattiesburg, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gulfport-Biloxi, MS ($23,670) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.
How does Hattiesburg's cost of living compare to the national average?
Hattiesburg, MS, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services in Hattiesburg is comparable to the national benchmark.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.91 mean for fast-food jobs in Hattiesburg?
A Location Quotient of 2.91 signifies that fast-food cook jobs are nearly three times more concentrated in Hattiesburg, MS, than the national average. This suggests a higher demand and a more prevalent job market for this occupation locally.
How many fast-food cooks are employed in Hattiesburg, MS?
There are approximately 790 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Hattiesburg, MS, representing a significant portion of the local workforce in this sector.
Are there many job opportunities for fast-food cooks in Hattiesburg?
Yes, with 12.628 jobs per 1,000 workers and a high Location Quotient, there are a substantial number of job opportunities for fast-food cooks in Hattiesburg relative to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Hattiesburg, MS area with a job density of 12.628 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 Hattiesburg, MS