Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
In Memphis, TN-MS-AR, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $26,720. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay structure that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the fast-food sector in this metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,280.
- Outlook: The Memphis, TN-MS-AR metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 2,530 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for fast-food culinary professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-14.2%below the national average.
$12.9
$514
$2,227
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Memphis is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation, including in Memphis, have seen modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend typically reflects an upward adjustment in compensation to attract and retain staff in a competitive service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Memphis, TN-MS-AR typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may 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 in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,060 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,040 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,520 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,400 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,280 | $16.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,720 for Cooks, Fast Food in Memphis, TN-MS-AR aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
2,530
Total Jobs
4.079
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Memphis, TN-MS-AR has 0.94x 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 0.94 for Cooks, Fast Food in Memphis, TN-MS-AR indicates that the job market for this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and stable, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering moderate competition for available positions and a steady employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,760↓ 4% | 64 mi |
| Jackson, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,390↑ 3% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $26,720. This typically ranges from $19,060 for entry-level positions to $34,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 14.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Memphis is below the national average, suggesting less financial advantage for this specific role.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jonesboro, AR ($25,760) and Jackson, TN.
How does the Memphis fast-food job market compare to the national average?
The job market in Memphis for fast-food cooks is very close to the national average in terms of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.94, indicating a similar level of employment relative to the overall workforce.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Memphis?
There are approximately 2,530 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food within the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metropolitan area.
Does experience significantly impact a fast-food cook's salary in Memphis?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or supervisory roles commanding higher compensation, reflecting a typical career ladder.
How does the cost of living affect the $26,720 salary for fast-food cooks in Memphis?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $26,720 salary in Memphis offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,530 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 4.079 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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR