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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Merced, CA

Cooks, Fast Food in Merced, CA earn an average annual salary of $37,400, significantly higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated pay is directly influenced by the local economic landscape and demand for these essential roles within the Merced community. The concentration of these positions locally plays a key role in driving compensation upwards.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,360.
  • Outlook: Merced, CA boasts a robust job market for Cooks, Fast Food, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 830 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.43 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for fast-food culinary professionals in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,400

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Merced, CA earns+20.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18

Weekly

$719

Monthly

$3,117

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Merced, CA

The salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Merced, CA typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this role.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,390$16.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,050$13.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,960$17.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$46,750$22.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$42,360$20.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,400

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $37,400 in Merced, CA 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 Merced is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of essential goods and services.

Job Market Context

830

Total Jobs

10.535

Per 1K Jobs

2.43

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Merced, CA has 2.4x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 2.43, Merced, CA presents a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure and retain talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Modesto, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$38,610↑ 3%37 mi
Fresno, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$36,560↓ 2%52 mi
Stockton-Lodi, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$37,170↓ 1%65 mi
Salinas, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$40,080↑ 7%77 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$42,330↑ 13%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Merced, CA

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Merced, CA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Merced, CA is $37,400. This typically ranges from $33,390 for entry-level positions to $42,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 20.1% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, Merced, CA offers a more lucrative environment for Cooks, Fast Food.The average annual salary of $37,400 significantly surpasses the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing the real value of this higher pay.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($38,610) and Fresno, CA.

How does Merced's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks, Fast Food in Merced, CA earn an average of $37,400 annually, which is approximately $6,270 more than the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA has a high concentration of fast-food cooks, with a Location Quotient of 2.43, meaning the jobs are more than twice as common as the national average.

How does the cost of living in Merced, CA affect salary perception?

The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $37,400 for fast-food cooks has strong purchasing power locally.

What is the total number of fast-food cooks employed in Merced, CA?

There are approximately 830 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Merced, CA, indicating a substantial local workforce in this sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 10.535 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 Merced, CA