Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Killeen-Temple, TX
In Killeen-Temple, TX, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $26,600, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demand within the region, and the overall cost of labor for service industry positions in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,260.
- Outlook: The Killeen-Temple, TX market for Cooks, Fast Food shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.86. With a local workforce of 550 individuals in this role, the presence of 3.712 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, though not exceptionally high, demand for fast-food culinary professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Killeen-Temple, TX earns-14.6%below the national average.
$12.8
$512
$2,217
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Killeen-Temple's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contributed to modest salary increases for these roles over time.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Killeen-Temple, TX
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. As individuals gain experience, their responsibilities often expand, leading to higher pay. The salary distribution, while not detailed here, would show a widening gap between the lowest and highest earners, signifying opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential for senior or specialized cooks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,700 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,950 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,540 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,250 | $16 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,260 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,600 in Killeen-Temple, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
3.712
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Killeen-Temple, TX has 0.86x 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 0.86, the Killeen-Temple, TX market for Cooks, Fast Food is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately represented compared to other job types within the region. The job market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,280↓ 1% | 10 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,640↑ 0% | 10 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,380↓ 1% | 10 mi |
Comparing salaries near Killeen-Temple, TX
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Killeen-Temple, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Killeen-Temple, TX is $26,600. This typically ranges from $20,700 for entry-level positions to $35,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Killeen-Temple, TX is 14.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Killeen-Temple, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Killeen-Temple, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,600 is below the national average of $31,130, although the cost of living is at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Killeen-Temple, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Killeen-Temple, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Killeen-Temple, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($26,280) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Killeen-Temple fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Killeen-Temple, TX is $26,600, which is $4,530 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Killeen-Temple, TX?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.86, indicating that fast-food cooks are slightly less prevalent in Killeen-Temple compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Killeen-Temple, TX affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Killeen-Temple, TX is 100, which is the national average. This means the $26,600 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Killeen-Temple, TX?
There are approximately 550 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Killeen-Temple, TX area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Killeen-Temple, TX area with a job density of 3.712 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 Killeen-Temple, TX