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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Madison, WI

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Madison, WI, earn an average annual salary of $27,950. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local factors is crucial for anyone considering a career in this sector within Madison.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,950 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,120.
  • Outlook: The fast-food cook job market in Madison, WI, is characterized by a local workforce of 1,280 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.73, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderately less saturated market relative to other occupations. The presence of 3.161 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for fast-food cooks in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,950

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Madison, WI earns-10.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.4

Weekly

$538

Monthly

$2,329

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Madison, WI

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Madison, WI, 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 percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles signify clear career progression pathways within the industry, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$18,320$8.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,963$10.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,490$13.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,938$16.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,120$16.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,950

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,950

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $27,950 in Madison, WI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national average, as the cost of goods and services in Madison is not elevated.

Job Market Context

1,280

Total Jobs

3.161

Per 1K Jobs

0.73

Location Quotient

Below Average

Madison, WI has 0.73x 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.

Madison, WI, exhibits a Location Quotient of 0.73 for Cooks, Fast Food, indicating that this occupation is less concentrated in the local labor market compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job exists, it may not be as prevalent or in as high demand relative to other professions as it is nationwide, potentially leading to a more competitive job search for applicants.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,880↓ 4%33 mi
Rockford, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$31,420↑ 12%59 mi
Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,580↓ 1%68 mi
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,060↑ 0%72 mi
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,540↓ 1%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Madison, WI

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Madison, WI?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Madison, WI is $27,950. This typically ranges from $18,320 for entry-level positions to $34,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 10.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,950 is below the national average, and the job concentration is also lower, suggesting less robust market demand.

Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($26,880) and Rockford, IL.

How does the average salary for fast food cooks in Madison compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for fast food cooks in Madison, WI, is $27,950, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI, for fast food cooks?

Madison, WI, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the same as the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.

How many fast food cooks are employed in Madison, WI?

There are approximately 1,280 fast food cooks employed in Madison, WI, representing 3.161 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.

Is the job market for fast food cooks concentrated in Madison, WI?

No, the job market for fast food cooks in Madison, WI, is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.73.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,280 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 3.161 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 Madison, WI