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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area earn an average annual salary of $27,060. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, influence compensation in this region. While the nominal pay is lower, the cost of living in the area is on par with the national average, which is a crucial factor in understanding the true purchasing power of these wages.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,060 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,530.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, shows a moderate level of concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.88. While the total local workforce of 310 indicates a presence, the slightly below-average quotient suggests that the demand for these roles is not significantly higher than the national average. However, with 3.829 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady, albeit not booming, employment landscape for fast-food cooks in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,060

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC earns-13.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13

Weekly

$520

Monthly

$2,255

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. As cooks gain experience, their responsibilities often expand, leading to higher pay. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, generally signify this upward mobility, with senior cooks earning considerably more than their junior counterparts due to acquired skills, efficiency, and leadership capabilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,230$10.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,295$9.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,390$12.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,825$16.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$33,530$16.1

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,060

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,060

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, stands at $27,060. This salary is directly juxtaposed against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the cost of essential goods and services in the area does not present an additional financial burden compared to the rest of the country, offering a balanced perspective on the local economic environment.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

3.829

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC has 0.88x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job title exists and is filled, the industry may not be as dominant or have as many dedicated establishments compared to other regions. The job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a stable but not overly competitive environment for individuals seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,510↓ 2%63 mi
Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,940↑ 3%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is $27,060. This typically ranges from $21,230 for entry-level positions to $33,530 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 13.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $27,060 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall compensation does not indicate a highly lucrative market for this specific role.

Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($26,510) and Brunswick-St. Simons, GA.

How does the local salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?

The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is $27,060, which is $4,070 less than the national average of $31,130.

What is the Cost of Living in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

The Cost of Living Index for Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither more nor less expensive to live there compared to the typical US location.

How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in this area?

There are approximately 310 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area, representing 3.829 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Is there high demand for Fast Food Cooks in this region?

The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food Cooks compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area with a job density of 3.829 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC