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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA

Cooks in the fast-food sector in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn an average annual salary of $36,360. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. Factors such as regional demand and operational costs likely contribute to this higher compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,360 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,390.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 400 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.73, the Kennewick-Richland area shows a slightly below-average concentration of these professionals compared to the national landscape. While not a hub of intense specialization, the presence of 3.157 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and consistent demand for fast-food cooks within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,360

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+16.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.5

Weekly

$699

Monthly

$3,030

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or specialized culinary knowledge can command significantly higher salaries. The variance in pay across different percentiles highlights the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,860$16.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,270$13.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,900$16.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,450$21.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,390$18.9

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,360

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,360

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,360 in Kennewick-Richland, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively balances out the cost of living expenses.

Job Market Context

400

Total Jobs

3.157

Per 1K Jobs

0.73

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kennewick-Richland, WA has 0.73x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Fast Food in Kennewick-Richland, WA, is somewhat lower than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Yakima, WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$35,530↓ 2%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Kennewick-Richland, WA

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $36,360. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $39,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 16.8% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, it offers a slightly above-average earning potential.Cooks, Fast Food in Kennewick-Richland, WA earn $36,360 annually, exceeding the national average, while maintaining a cost of living on par with the national average.

Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kennewick-Richland, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Yakima, WA ($35,530) and others.

How does the Kennewick-Richland fast food cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $36,360, which is higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the cost of living in Kennewick-Richland, WA for fast food cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many fast food cooks are employed in Kennewick-Richland, WA?

There are approximately 400 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area.

Is the job market for fast food cooks concentrated in Kennewick-Richland, WA?

No, the Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that the concentration of fast food cooks in Kennewick-Richland, WA is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 3.157 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA