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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Idaho

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Idaho earn an average annual salary of $26,750. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized compensation structure. Factors such as regional economic conditions and the specific demand within Idaho's labor market likely contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,160.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,090 individuals in this role, Idaho presents a moderately sized employment landscape for fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.57 suggests that this profession is less concentrated in Idaho compared to the national average, implying a potentially stable, though not exceptionally high, demand relative to other job sectors within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,750

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Idaho earns-14.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.9

Weekly

$514

Monthly

$2,229

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Idaho

Salary progression for cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility within fast-food operations.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,870$8.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,063$9.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,130$12.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,438$16.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,160$16.9

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,212

Adjusted for COL (106.1)

The nominal average annual salary of $26,750 in Idaho needs careful consideration against the local Cost of Living Index of 106.1. This index indicates that the cost of goods and services in Idaho is approximately 6.1% higher than the national average. Consequently, the purchasing power of the average fast-food cook's salary in Idaho may be somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

2,090

Total Jobs

2.469

Per 1K Jobs

0.57

Location Quotient

Below Average

Idaho has 0.57x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.57 for fast-food cooks in Idaho signifies that this occupation is less prevalent in the state than the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles might be less saturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for job seekers, though it also indicates a lower overall concentration of this specific employment sector within Idaho's economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Boise City, ID Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,540 7%96 mi

Comparing salaries near Idaho

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Idaho is $26,750. This typically ranges from $17,870 for entry-level positions to $35,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Idaho is 14.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Idaho a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, Idaho is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods based on the provided data.The average annual salary of $26,750 is below the national average, and the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, reducing overall purchasing power.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Idaho is 106.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Idaho?

Some top paying nearby cities include Boise City, ID ($28,540) and others.

How does Idaho's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Idaho is $26,750, which is $4,380 less than the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Idaho compared to the rest of the US?

Idaho has a lower concentration of fast-food cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.57, meaning the job is less common in Idaho relative to the national proportion.

How does the cost of living in Idaho affect the salary of a fast-food cook?

With a Cost of Living Index of 106.1, Idaho is 6.1% more expensive than the national average. This means the $26,750 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a location with a lower cost of living.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest for fast-food cooks in Idaho?

The figure of 2.469 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates the relative prevalence of fast-food cook positions within Idaho's broader workforce, suggesting a moderate presence of these roles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,090 employees in the Idaho area with a job density of 2.469 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.