Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Knoxville, TN
In Knoxville, TN, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,690. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of entry-level positions influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape of Knoxville plays a significant role in shaping the pay scales for this vital service industry role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,740.
- Outlook: Knoxville's fast-food cook job market demonstrates a healthy concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.59 indicating a presence significantly above the national average. The local workforce comprises 2,890 individuals in this role, translating to 6.906 jobs per 1,000 workers. This robust presence suggests consistent demand and a stable environment for fast-food cooks within the Knoxville area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Knoxville, TN earns-11.1%below the national average.
$13.3
$533
$2,308
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for fast-food cooks in Knoxville is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for quick-service dining likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for cooks, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and labor market competitiveness.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Knoxville, TN, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often fall within the lower percentiles of the $27,690 average, while seasoned cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,670 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,768 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,760 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,613 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,740 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,690 for Fast Food Cooks in Knoxville aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by cooks in Knoxville has the same purchasing power as the national average. While the salary is below the national average for the role, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay is relatively stable in terms of what it can buy locally.
Job Market Context
2,890
Total Jobs
6.906
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 1.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.59, Knoxville exhibits a higher concentration of Fast Food Cooks compared to the national average. This indicates a more robust job market for this specific occupation within the city. The abundance of roles relative to the national benchmark suggests that job seekers may find more opportunities, and employers might face a slightly more competitive landscape for talent, although the lower average salary might temper this competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,100↓ 2% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,980↓ 3% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,130↓ 2% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,570↑ 7% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,090↓ 2% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Knoxville, TN is $27,690. This typically ranges from $20,670 for entry-level positions to $36,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 11.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $27,690 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130 for Fast Food Cooks.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($27,100) and Cleveland, TN.
How does the Knoxville fast-food job market compare nationally?
Knoxville has a higher concentration of fast-food cooks than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.59, suggesting a strong local presence in this industry.
What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in Knoxville, TN?
The average annual salary for a Fast Food Cook in Knoxville, TN is $27,690.
Does the Cost of Living in Knoxville affect the salary?
The Cost of Living in Knoxville is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $27,690 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
Are there many fast-food cook jobs in Knoxville?
Yes, with 2,890 individuals in the role and 6.906 jobs per 1,000 workers, the job market for fast-food cooks in Knoxville is more concentrated than 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 2,890 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 6.906 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 Knoxville, TN