Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Jacksonville, FL
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Jacksonville, FL, earn an average annual salary of $28,640. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Jacksonville influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Northeast Florida shapes the earning potential for fast-food cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,360.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,040 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.93, Jacksonville presents a market with a concentration of these roles very close to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for fast-food cooks, suggesting a consistent job market for individuals in this profession within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Jacksonville, FL earns-8.0%below the national average.
$13.8
$551
$2,387
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Jacksonville's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national wage growth. Factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage legislation, and evolving labor market demands likely contribute to modest salary increases for cooks over time, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract talent.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, FL
The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Jacksonville, FL, typically spans from entry-level positions to more experienced roles. Junior cooks might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,480 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,360 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,800 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,360 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Jacksonville, FL, stands at $28,640. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Jacksonville is also at the national average, providing a balanced financial outlook.
Job Market Context
3,040
Total Jobs
4.02
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Jacksonville, FL has 0.93x 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.
Jacksonville's Location Quotient of 0.93 for Cooks, Fast Food indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the city is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and stable, it is not disproportionately represented compared to other job sectors. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,940↓ 2% | 57 mi |
| Gainesville, FL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,340↑ 6% | 60 mi |
| Ocala, FL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,620↑ 7% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, FL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Jacksonville, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Jacksonville, FL is $28,640. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $36,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, FL is 8.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Jacksonville, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,640 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Jacksonville, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Brunswick-St. Simons, GA ($27,940) and Gainesville, FL.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Jacksonville, FL?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Jacksonville, FL is $28,640.
How does Jacksonville's cost of living compare to the national average?
Jacksonville's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.
Is the job market for fast-food cooks strong in Jacksonville?
The job market is stable, with a local workforce of 3,040 and a Location Quotient of 0.93, suggesting a demand that closely mirrors the national concentration of these roles.
Can experience significantly increase a fast-food cook's salary in Jacksonville?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or supervisory roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting 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 3,040 employees in the Jacksonville, FL area with a job density of 4.02 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 Jacksonville, FL