Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Kentucky
Cooks in fast-food establishments across Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $25,090, falling below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand for these roles within the state's labor market. Understanding these local nuances is crucial for assessing compensation in this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,420.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 20,250 individuals in this role, Kentucky demonstrates a significant presence of fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 2.34 indicates a concentration of these jobs well above the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for fast-food culinary professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Kentucky earns-19.4%below the national average.
$12.1
$483
$2,091
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for roles like fast-food cooks tend to experience modest annual growth, often tracking inflation and local economic expansion. Over the past four years, it's reasonable to assume that Kentucky's fast-food cook salaries have seen incremental increases, reflecting broader economic trends and adjustments in the labor market.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Kentucky
The salary range for fast-food cooks in Kentucky typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,660 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,818 | $9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,420 | $11.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,363 | $15.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,420 | $15.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,940
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The average annual salary of $25,090 in Kentucky for fast-food cooks should be considered in conjunction with the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index, which is below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary may offer a relatively better purchasing power locally compared to higher-cost regions, even though the absolute dollar amount is lower.
Job Market Context
20,250
Total Jobs
10.157
Per 1K Jobs
2.34
Location Quotient
Kentucky has 2.3x 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.
Kentucky's Location Quotient of 2.34 for fast-food cooks signifies a market where these roles are significantly more concentrated than the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong demand and a well-established industry presence for fast-food services, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also indicating a competitive landscape for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,750↑ 3% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,250↑ 1% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,840↑ 7% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,360↑ 17% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Kentucky is $25,090. This typically ranges from $20,660 for entry-level positions to $31,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 19.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Kentucky is not a particularly lucrative place for fast-food cooks compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $25,090 is substantially lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the lower cost of living does offer some mitigation to this difference in nominal pay.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($25,750) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does Kentucky's cost of living affect fast-food cook salaries?
Kentucky's cost of living index of 89.8, being below the national average, means that the $25,090 salary can potentially stretch further locally than a similar salary in a high-cost state, offering a better effective purchasing power.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.34 mean for fast-food jobs in Kentucky?
A Location Quotient of 2.34 indicates that fast-food cook jobs are more than twice as concentrated in Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting a higher prevalence and demand for these roles within the state.
How many fast-food cooks are there in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs a significant workforce of 20,250 individuals in fast-food cook positions, reflecting the substantial presence of this industry within the state.
Can fast-food cooks expect salary increases with experience in Kentucky?
Yes, like most professions, fast-food cooks in Kentucky can anticipate salary increases as they gain experience, acquire new skills, and potentially move into supervisory roles, with percentile gaps reflecting this 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 20,250 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 10.157 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 Kentucky