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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Massachusetts

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $38,190. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a premium for this role within the state. The higher compensation is likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the state's robust economy and potentially higher operational costs for businesses.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,190 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,590.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,140 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.33, the job market in Massachusetts shows a concentration below the national average. This suggests that while the absolute number of positions is substantial, the relative density of these roles compared to other occupations is lower, implying a stable but not exceptionally concentrated demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,190

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Massachusetts earns+22.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.4

Weekly

$734

Monthly

$3,183

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Massachusetts

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Massachusetts typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory or specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career ladder, offering clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,110$16.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,643$13.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,100$17.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,738$23
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,590$21.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,190

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,735

Adjusted for COL (148.4)

The average annual salary of $38,190 in Massachusetts presents a complex picture when viewed against the state's Cost of Living Index of 148.4. While the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the elevated cost of living means that the purchasing power of this income may be less substantial than it initially appears, requiring careful budgeting for residents.

Job Market Context

5,140

Total Jobs

1.411

Per 1K Jobs

0.33

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.33x, Massachusetts 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 0.33 for Cooks, Fast Food in Massachusetts indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are many such jobs, they represent a smaller proportion of the overall employment landscape in Massachusetts, potentially leading to a more competitive job market for individuals seeking these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Worcester, MA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$36,650↓ 4%14 mi
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Cooks, Fast Food Salary$39,430↑ 3%24 mi
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$34,890↓ 9%29 mi
Springfield, MA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$35,220↓ 8%52 mi

Comparing salaries near Massachusetts

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Massachusetts is $38,190. This typically ranges from $34,110 for entry-level positions to $44,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 22.7% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, but with caveats due to cost of living.Massachusetts offers a higher average salary for Cooks, Fast Food compared to the national average. However, the significantly elevated cost of living in the state can offset some of this financial advantage.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?

Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($36,650) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.

What is the average salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Massachusetts?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Massachusetts is $38,190.

How does the Massachusetts salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Massachusetts ($38,190) is notably higher than the national average ($31,130) for this role.

What does the Location Quotient of 0.33 mean for this job?

A Location Quotient of 0.33 signifies that Cooks, Fast Food are less concentrated in Massachusetts relative to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant job market.

How does the high cost of living in Massachusetts affect this salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, the higher salary in Massachusetts is partially offset by increased expenses, meaning the real purchasing power may be less than the nominal figure suggests.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,140 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 1.411 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 Massachusetts