Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Jefferson City, MO
In Jefferson City, MO, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,200. This figure is approximately 9.4% below the national average of $31,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Jefferson City market contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,260.
- Outlook: The Jefferson City market demonstrates a significant concentration of Fast Food Cooks, with a Location Quotient of 3.85, indicating a demand nearly four times the national average. The local workforce of 1,300 individuals in this role suggests a robust and established presence, pointing to consistent employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Jefferson City, MO earns-9.4%below the national average.
$13.6
$542
$2,350
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Jefferson City's fast food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that wages in this sector have seen modest growth, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Jefferson City, MO
The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Jefferson City typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,580 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,150 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,420 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,250 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,260 | $14.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $28,200 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal earnings in Jefferson City for Fast Food Cooks align directly with the national cost of living. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national median.
Job Market Context
1,300
Total Jobs
16.668
Per 1K Jobs
3.85
Location Quotient
Jefferson City, MO has 3.9x 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.
The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 3.85 for Cooks, Fast Food in Jefferson City signifies a market with a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a strong demand for fast food services and a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,960↓ 1% | 10 mi |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,080↓ 0% | 10 mi |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,450↑ 1% | 10 mi |
| Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,110↓ 0% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,300↑ 4% | 27 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jefferson City, MO
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Jefferson City, MO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Jefferson City, MO is $28,200. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $30,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jefferson City, MO is 9.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Jefferson City, MO a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the $28,200 salary is notably below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Jefferson City, MO a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Jefferson City, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jefferson City, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area ($27,960) and Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local workers affect job prospects for Cooks, Fast Food in Jefferson City?
A local workforce of 1,300 indicates a substantial pool of existing jobs, suggesting a stable market with ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.85 mean for Fast Food Cooks in Jefferson City?
A Location Quotient of 3.85 means that Fast Food Cooks are employed in Jefferson City at a rate nearly four times the national average, indicating a high demand and concentration of these jobs.
How does the Cost of Living in Jefferson City compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
Jefferson City's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $28,200 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, despite being lower than the national average salary.
What is the typical salary range for entry-level versus experienced Fast Food Cooks in Jefferson City?
While exact ranges vary, entry-level positions will likely be at the lower end of the $28,200 average, with experienced cooks potentially earning significantly more as they gain skills and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,300 employees in the Jefferson City, MO area with a job density of 16.668 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 Jefferson City, MO