SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Indiana

Fast Food Cooks in Indiana earn an average annual salary of $28,910, which is below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the overall demand for these roles within the state's specific labor market. The concentration of fast-food establishments and the prevailing wage scales contribute to this localized pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,910 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,460.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 5,840 Fast Food Cooks, Indiana presents a substantial employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.42 indicates that this role is less concentrated in Indiana compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but stable demand for these services across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,910

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Indiana earns-7.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.9

Weekly

$556

Monthly

$2,409

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Indiana

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Indiana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,920$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,683$10.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,610$13.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,138$17.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,460$18

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,910

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,122

Adjusted for COL (90)

The nominal average annual salary of $28,910 in Indiana for Fast Food Cooks should be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 90. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of this salary may be relatively stronger locally than the nominal figure alone indicates, potentially offsetting some of the difference compared to higher-cost regions.

Job Market Context

5,840

Total Jobs

1.834

Per 1K Jobs

0.42

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.42x, Indiana has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

Indiana's Location Quotient of 0.42 for Fast Food Cooks signifies that the profession is less prevalent in the state compared to the national landscape. This suggests that while there are dedicated roles, the market is not oversaturated, indicating a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to the national distribution of these jobs.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary$31,260↑ 8%8 mi
Bloomington, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary$29,030↑ 0%49 mi
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,200↓ 6%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Indiana

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Indiana is $28,910. This typically ranges from $21,920 for entry-level positions to $37,460 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Indiana is 7.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Indiana a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, Indiana is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks.The average annual salary of $28,910 is below the national average, and the role has a lower concentration (LQ of 0.42) compared to the rest of the country.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 90 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Indiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($31,260) and Bloomington, IN.

How does Indiana's cost of living affect Fast Food Cook salaries?

Indiana's Cost of Living Index of 90 means that $28,910 can potentially offer better purchasing power than the same amount in a higher-cost state, partially mitigating the lower nominal salary.

What is the job outlook for Fast Food Cooks in Indiana?

The job outlook is moderate, with a workforce of 5,840 and a Location Quotient of 0.42, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding demand.

Can Fast Food Cooks expect salary increases with experience in Indiana?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary growth for Fast Food Cooks, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.

How does Indiana's Fast Food Cook employment compare nationally?

Indiana has fewer Fast Food Cooks per capita than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.42.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,840 employees in the Indiana area with a job density of 1.834 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Indiana