Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Huntsville, AL
In Huntsville, AL, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as labor supply and demand, may be influencing compensation levels in this specific sector within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 53.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,540.
- Outlook: Huntsville, AL boasts a substantial local workforce of 2,990 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 2.65, indicating a concentration significantly higher than the national average, the demand for these roles appears robust, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for fast-food cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Huntsville, AL earns-9.5%below the national average.
$13.5
$542
$2,347
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Huntsville, AL have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or industry-specific adjustments that aim to keep pace with inflation and labor market demands.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Huntsville, AL typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting these advancements in expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,750 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,120 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,910 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,200 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,540 | $16.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,160 in Huntsville, AL aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Huntsville is comparable to the national average, offering neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
2,990
Total Jobs
11.491
Per 1K Jobs
2.65
Location Quotient
Huntsville, AL has 2.6x 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.
Huntsville, AL exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Fast Food, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 2.65. This signifies that the job market in Huntsville is more than twice as saturated with fast-food cooking roles compared to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for job seekers but also a readily available pool of talent for employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,020↓ 4% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,310↓ 10% | 59 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,560↓ 13% | 60 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,510↑ 1% | 73 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,340↑ 1% | 73 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntsville, AL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Huntsville, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Huntsville, AL is $28,160. This typically ranges from $22,750 for entry-level positions to $34,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 9.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Huntsville, 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 salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Huntsville is below the national average. This indicates that while expenses may be comparable, earning potential in this specific role is lower than the national benchmark.
Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($27,020) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Huntsville's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Huntsville, AL is $28,160, which is $2,970 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Huntsville compared to the rest of the US?
Huntsville has a Location Quotient of 2.65 for Cooks, Fast Food, meaning the job concentration is 165% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Huntsville affect the salary of a fast-food cook?
Huntsville's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $28,160 salary has average purchasing power locally.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks employed in Huntsville?
There are approximately 2,990 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Huntsville, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,990 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 11.491 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 Huntsville, AL