Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Lincoln, NE
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Lincoln, NE, earn an average annual salary of $29,430. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, a common occurrence in markets where the cost of living is balanced with local demand and labor supply dynamics. The specific economic landscape of Lincoln influences compensation for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,970.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 410 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.52, the market for fast-food cooks in Lincoln, NE, indicates a concentration below the national average. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 2.272, the lower LQ suggests that this profession is not as disproportionately represented as it is nationally, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Lincoln, NE earns-5.5%below the national average.
$14.2
$566
$2,453
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for fast-food cooks in Lincoln, NE is not provided, it is 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 evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles across the service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE
Salary progression for fast-food cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear career progression opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,073 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,130 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,788 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,970 | $15.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Lincoln, NE, is $29,430. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary holds its purchasing power directly in line with the rest of the country. This means that the $29,430 earned locally offers a comparable standard of living to what a similar salary would provide nationally.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
2.272
Per 1K Jobs
0.52
Location Quotient
Lincoln, NE has 0.52x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.52 for fast-food cooks in Lincoln, NE, suggests that this profession is less concentrated in the local labor market compared to the national average. This indicates that while the role is present, it is not a dominant sector within Lincoln's employment landscape, potentially leading to a more balanced or slightly employer-favored job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,710↑ 4% | 45 mi |
| South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,030↓ 5% | 86 mi |
| Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,180↓ 1% | 86 mi |
| Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,690↓ 3% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lincoln, NE
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Lincoln, NE?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Lincoln, NE is $29,430. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $31,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 5.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Lincoln, NE a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,430 is below the national average of $31,130, and the job concentration is also lower than the national benchmark.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Lincoln, NE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($30,710) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
How does the cost of living in Lincoln, NE affect fast-food cook salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lincoln's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the local salary of $29,430 has the same purchasing power as a national average salary would, indicating no significant advantage or disadvantage due to cost of living.
What is the job market like for fast-food cooks in Lincoln, NE?
The job market is moderately present, with 410 individuals employed in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.52 suggests it's less concentrated than the national average, implying a stable but not booming demand.
Can fast-food cooks expect salary increases with experience in Lincoln, NE?
Yes, typically, fast-food cooks can expect their salaries to increase with accumulated experience and demonstrated skills, moving from entry-level wages to higher pay scales for senior or supervisory roles.
How does Lincoln, NE compare to the national average for fast-food cook salaries?
The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Lincoln, NE, is $29,430, which is approximately $1,700 less than the national average of $31,130.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 2.272 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 Lincoln, NE