Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Jackson, MS
Fast Food Cooks in Jackson, MS, earn an average annual salary of $23,320. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting localized economic conditions and market demand specific to the Jackson area. The prevailing wage in this sector is influenced by a combination of regional cost of labor and the concentration of fast-food establishments.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,260.
- Outlook: The Jackson, MS market for Fast Food Cooks appears robust, with a total local workforce of 2,350 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.02 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized job market for fast-food preparation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Jackson, MS earns-25.1%below the national average.
$11.2
$448
$1,943
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in Jackson, MS, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of modest wage increases in the service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Jackson, MS
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Fast Food Cooks. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,890 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,490 | $8.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,350 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,150 | $14 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,260 | $13.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,320 in Jackson, 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 essential goods and services in Jackson is also at the national benchmark, suggesting a neutral impact on purchasing power.
Job Market Context
2,350
Total Jobs
8.737
Per 1K Jobs
2.02
Location Quotient
Jackson, MS has 2.0x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.02, Jackson, MS, demonstrates a job market for Fast Food Cooks that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a highly competitive environment for employers seeking talent, and a potentially abundant supply of job opportunities for individuals seeking employment in this role within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $22,590↓ 3% | 43 mi |
| Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $22,240↓ 5% | 43 mi |
| Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $22,720↓ 3% | 43 mi |
| West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,140↓ 1% | 43 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,170↓ 1% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jackson, MS
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Jackson, MS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Jackson, MS is $23,320. This typically ranges from $20,890 for entry-level positions to $28,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jackson, MS is 25.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Jackson, MS a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Jackson, MS is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks based on average earnings.The average salary of $23,320 is substantially lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Jackson, MS a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Jackson, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jackson, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area ($22,590) and Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Jackson, MS?
A local workforce of 2,350 indicates a substantial pool of individuals employed in this sector, suggesting a well-established industry presence and consistent demand for cooks.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.02 signify for Fast Food Cooks in Jackson, MS?
A Location Quotient of 2.02 means that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Jackson, MS, is more than double the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially high-demand job market for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in Jackson, MS compare to the national average?
Jackson, MS, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
What are the potential salary ranges for Fast Food Cooks based on experience?
While the average is $23,320, entry-level cooks will earn less, and those with significant experience or in supervisory roles can command higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,350 employees in the Jackson, MS area with a job density of 8.737 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 Jackson, MS