Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area earn an average annual salary of $29,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this region. The specific pay rates are often tied to the local economic climate and the prevailing wage standards within the immediate geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,390.
- Outlook: The Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area supports a substantial workforce of 920 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 1.8, this occupation is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a higher prevalence of these roles compared to other industries within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA earns-5.0%below the national average.
$14.2
$569
$2,464
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role and location is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and a persistent demand for quick-service dining options, which likely also impacts the Kingsport-Bristol area.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,250 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,178 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,290 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,963 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,390 | $18.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,570 in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA aligns precisely with 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 comparable to the national average, with no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
7.808
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA has 1.8x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.8 for Cooks, Fast Food in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA signifies that this occupation is nearly twice as concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests a highly competitive job market for employers seeking these workers, and a relatively abundant supply of these roles for job seekers within the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,090↓ 8% | 16 mi |
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,100↓ 8% | 47 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,130↓ 8% | 66 mi |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,530↓ 14% | 87 mi |
| Knoxville, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,690↓ 6% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is $29,570. This typically ranges from $21,250 for entry-level positions to $38,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is 5.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the occupation is highly concentrated, indicating strong local demand, the average salary of $29,570 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnson City, TN ($27,090) and Morristown, TN.
How does the number of fast-food cooks in Kingsport-Bristol compare nationally?
With 7.808 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration of fast-food cooks in Kingsport-Bristol is notably higher than the national average, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 1.8.
What is the typical salary range for a Fast Food Cook in Kingsport-Bristol?
While the average is $29,570, actual salaries can vary. Entry-level positions may be lower, while experienced cooks or those in supervisory roles could earn more, reflecting the typical salary distribution across experience levels.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a fast-food cook's salary in Kingsport-Bristol?
No, the cost of living in Kingsport-Bristol is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the $29,570 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is it easy to find a job as a Fast Food Cook in Kingsport-Bristol?
Given the high Location Quotient of 1.8, there is a strong local presence of this occupation, suggesting that job opportunities are relatively abundant compared to the national landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area with a job density of 7.808 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 Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA