Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Cooks in fast-food establishments within Lexington-Fayette, KY, earn an average annual salary of $25,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local market dynamics, including demand and the concentration of similar roles, often influence these compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,110.
- Outlook: The fast-food cook job market in Lexington-Fayette, KY, appears robust, with a substantial local workforce of 2,900 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.37 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand and a well-established industry presence.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-17.3%below the national average.
$12.4
$495
$2,146
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Lexington-Fayette, KY, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across the labor market.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. Salary increases are generally tied to accumulated experience, skill development, and increased responsibilities, with noticeable percentile gaps reflecting these advancements.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,860 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,313 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,050 | $12.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,188 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,110 | $14.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,750 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
2,900
Total Jobs
10.264
Per 1K Jobs
2.37
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 2.4x 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 2.37, Lexington-Fayette, KY, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of fast-food cook jobs than the national average. This indicates a competitive market where demand for these roles is more pronounced locally, potentially offering more employment opportunities but also suggesting a higher density of workers vying for these positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,550↓ 9% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,200↓ 10% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,930↓ 7% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $21,630↓ 16% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,840↑ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $25,750. This typically ranges from $21,860 for entry-level positions to $30,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 17.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,750 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. The high concentration of jobs suggests ample opportunity, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($23,550) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average hourly wage for a fast-food cook in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Based on an annual salary of $25,750 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a fast-food cook in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is around $12.38.
How does the number of fast-food cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY compare to the national average?
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 10.264 fast-food cooks per 1,000 workers, which is more than double the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this occupation.
Are there many job opportunities for fast-food cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 2.37 and a workforce of 2,900 suggest a significant number of job opportunities for fast-food cooks in the area.
Does the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living index of 100 means that the local cost of living is exactly average, so the $25,750 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,900 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 10.264 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY