Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Maryland nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in Maryland's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $33,630, surpassing the national average of $31,130. This higher local compensation is influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within these communities for fast-food services. The localized pay structure reflects the unique balance of labor supply and consumer demand prevalent in these areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,650.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 380 individuals in this role, the Maryland nonmetropolitan area presents a moderately sized job market for fast-food cooks. The location quotient of 0.77 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a stable yet not oversaturated demand for these essential service workers.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Maryland nonmetropolitan area earns+8.0%above the national average.
$16.2
$647
$2,803
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for fast-food cooks in Maryland's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is typical for service industry roles as they adapt to evolving labor market conditions and cost of living.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Maryland nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for fast-food cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, salary increases are generally observed with added years of experience, demonstrating a clear path for career advancement and higher earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,223 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,038 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,650 | $18.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,630 in Maryland's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without significant advantages or disadvantages related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
3.349
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Maryland nonmetropolitan area has 0.77x 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.
A location quotient of 0.77 indicates that fast-food cooks are employed in Maryland's nonmetropolitan areas at a rate slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in terms of concentration compared to other regions, implying a balanced job market with consistent opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,600↑ 9% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,440↓ 1% | 19 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,780↓ 14% | 58 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,050↓ 17% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Maryland nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Maryland nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Maryland nonmetropolitan area is $33,630. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $37,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Maryland nonmetropolitan area is 8.0% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Maryland nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $33,630 is slightly above the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable. The location quotient suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
Is Maryland nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Maryland nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($36,600) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Maryland's nonmetropolitan areas is $33,630, which is higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in this region?
There are approximately 380 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Maryland nonmetropolitan area.
How concentrated are fast-food cook jobs in this area compared to the nation?
The location quotient is 0.77, indicating that fast-food cook jobs are slightly less concentrated in Maryland's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
The cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $33,630 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Maryland nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.349 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 Maryland nonmetropolitan area