Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Louisiana
Cooks in fast-food establishments across Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $21,890. This figure falls significantly below the national average of $31,130, indicating a distinct regional compensation trend. Factors such as local economic conditions, the cost of labor, and the overall demand for these services in Louisiana contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $21,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $24,350.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,120 individuals in this role, the fast-food cook sector in Louisiana represents a modest segment of the state's employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.26 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated in Louisiana compared to the national average, implying a potentially less saturated but also less robust demand for specialized fast-food cooking talent within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Louisiana earns-29.7%below the national average.
$10.5
$421
$1,824
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Louisiana, like in many other regions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, adjustments to minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for labor, though the pace may differ from national trends.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Louisiana
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Louisiana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles signify clear career progression opportunities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,050 | $8.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $16,418 | $7.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,940 | $10.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $27,363 | $13.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $24,350 | $11.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$21,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,793
Adjusted for COL (92)
The nominal average annual salary of $21,890 in Louisiana for Cooks, Fast Food must be considered within the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 92. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat higher locally than the raw number suggests, offering a degree of affordability despite the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
2,120
Total Jobs
1.107
Per 1K Jobs
0.26
Location Quotient
At 0.26x, Louisiana has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.26 for Cooks, Fast Food in Louisiana indicates that this profession is significantly underrepresented in the state's workforce compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for fast-food cooks in Louisiana is not particularly abundant, and while there may be fewer concentrated opportunities, the demand relative to the national average is lower.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $22,120↑ 1% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Louisiana
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Louisiana is $21,890. This typically ranges from $18,050 for entry-level positions to $24,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Louisiana is 29.7% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Louisiana a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Louisiana is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $21,890 is substantially lower than the national average of $31,130, indicating less competitive compensation in this role within the state.
Is Louisiana a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Louisiana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($22,120) and others.
How does Louisiana's cost of living affect fast food cook salaries?
Louisiana's cost of living index of 92, which is below the national average, means that the lower average salary of $21,890 for fast food cooks may offer a slightly better purchasing power locally than the nominal figure suggests.
What is the concentration of fast food cooks in Louisiana compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 0.26 indicates that fast food cooks are significantly less concentrated in Louisiana than the national average, suggesting a smaller presence of this profession relative to other jobs in the state.
How many fast food cooks are there in Louisiana?
There are approximately 2,120 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in Louisiana, representing a specific segment of the state's food service industry.
Are there many job opportunities for fast food cooks in Louisiana?
With a low Location Quotient and a moderate workforce size, the job market for fast food cooks in Louisiana is not exceptionally concentrated, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,120 employees in the Louisiana area with a job density of 1.107 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 Louisiana