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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Lancaster, PA

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Lancaster, PA, earn an average annual salary of $28,390. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local market dynamics, including the concentration of specific industries and the overall demand for these roles, often dictate these regional pay scales.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,890.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of approximately 700 individuals in this role, the fast-food cook sector in Lancaster, PA, represents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, segment of the local job market. The Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests that while these jobs exist, they are less prevalent per capita than the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand and employment opportunity within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,390

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Lancaster, PA earns-8.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.7

Weekly

$546

Monthly

$2,366

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Lancaster, PA

The salary trajectory for fast-food cooks in Lancaster, PA, typically shows a clear progression with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the career advancement opportunities available within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,440$10.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,293$10.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,730$13.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,488$17.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,890$17.3

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,390

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,390 in Lancaster, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is effectively on par with the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Lancaster is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage for fast-food cooks.

Job Market Context

700

Total Jobs

2.795

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lancaster, PA has 0.64x 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 0.64 for fast-food cooks in Lancaster, PA, indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is not oversaturated, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions. While not a high-demand specialization, the employment numbers suggest consistent, albeit not booming, opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,050↓ 1%23 mi
Reading, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,640↑ 1%29 mi
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,850↑ 2%35 mi
Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,780↑ 1%52 mi

Comparing salaries near Lancaster, PA

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Lancaster, PA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Lancaster, PA is $28,390. This typically ranges from $22,440 for entry-level positions to $35,890 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lancaster, PA is 8.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Lancaster, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,390 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par, it doesn't offset the lower nominal wage.

Is Lancaster, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Lancaster, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lancaster, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include York-Hanover, PA ($28,050) and Reading, PA.

How does the Lancaster, PA salary for fast-food cooks compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Lancaster, PA, is $28,390, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the Cost of Living in Lancaster, PA, for fast-food cooks?

Lancaster, PA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the fast-food cook job market in Lancaster, PA?

The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.64, suggesting moderate job availability and competition.

What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Lancaster, PA?

There are approximately 700 fast-food cooks employed in Lancaster, PA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Lancaster, PA area with a job density of 2.795 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lancaster, PA