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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $30,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within this specific metropolitan area. The cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage aligns perfectly with the national average, meaning the purchasing power of this salary is standard.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,110.
  • Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area supports a local workforce of 300 Cooks, Fast Food, representing 2.544 jobs per 1,000 workers. While the total workforce size is modest, the concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.59, suggests this role is less prevalent than the national average. This implies a potentially stable, though not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the local market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,030

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-3.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.4

Weekly

$578

Monthly

$2,503

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced or supervisory roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior cooks signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,690$11.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,523$10.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,110$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,538$18
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,110$17.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,030

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $30,030 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this area is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses, offering a standard lifestyle relative to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

2.544

Per 1K Jobs

0.59

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 0.59x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.59, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy. Consequently, job seekers might find a moderate level of competition, with opportunities available but not overwhelmingly abundant.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$29,820↓ 1%48 mi
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$29,390↓ 2%54 mi

Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $30,030. This typically ranges from $24,690 for entry-level positions to $36,110 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 3.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $30,030 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering standard purchasing power.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI ($29,820) and South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI.

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

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $30,030, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI for fast food cooks?

The cost of living index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating standard living expenses.

How concentrated is the fast food cook job market in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.59, suggesting moderate demand and competition.

What is the total number of fast food cooks in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

There are approximately 300 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 2.544 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI