Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Lima, OH
The average salary for Cooks, Fast Foods in Lima, OH is $26,210. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lima, OH may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,440.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Fast Foods is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lima, OH economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Lima, OH earns-15.8%below the national average.
$12.6
$504
$2,184
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Fast Food salaries in Lima, OH have shown healthy growth of 15.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Lima, OH
The earning potential for Cooks, Fast Foods in Lima, OH varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $21,740, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $31,440.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,740 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,658 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,280 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,763 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,440 | $15.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lima, OH, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $26,210 to $26,210.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
2.47
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Lima, OH has 0.57x 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.
120 people work as Cooks, Fast Food in Lima, OH.
Moderate density — roughly 2.47 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,750↓ 6% | 58 mi |
| Fort Wayne, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,060↑ 7% | 59 mi |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,040↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Toledo, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,630↓ 10% | 69 mi |
| North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,630↑ 9% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lima, OH
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Lima, OH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Lima, OH is $26,210. This typically ranges from $21,740 for entry-level positions to $31,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lima, OH is 15.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Lima, OH a good place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Fast Food salary in Lima, OH is $26,210 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lima, OH. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lima, OH a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Lima, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lima, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, OH ($24,750) and Fort Wayne, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Lima, OH area with a job density of 2.47 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 Lima, OH