Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
In Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, Fast Food Cooks earn an average annual salary of $28,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of labor contribute to this compensation difference. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary indicates a less competitive market for these roles in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,320.
- Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha area employs 2,420 Fast Food Cooks, representing 2.958 jobs per 1,000 workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.68, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable workforce, the demand for Fast Food Cooks may not be as robust as in other regions, indicating a moderately competitive job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns-9.9%below the national average.
$13.5
$540
$2,338
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Fast Food Cooks across the nation, including in Milwaukee-Waukesha, have seen modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving labor market conditions that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Career progression for Fast Food Cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often with supervisory responsibilities. While exact salary percentiles are not detailed here, it's common for senior cooks to earn significantly more than their junior counterparts. The gap between entry-level and senior positions generally reflects increased skills, responsibility, and tenure within the role, signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,870 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,045 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,830 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,075 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,320 | $16.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,060 for Fast Food Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a national average cost of living area. Therefore, while the salary is below the national average, it is effectively balanced by the local cost of living, making the take-home pay comparable in real terms.
Job Market Context
2,420
Total Jobs
2.958
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has 0.68x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.68 for Fast Food Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the region compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for Fast Food Cooks is not as saturated as in other areas, potentially offering a slightly more favorable environment for job seekers relative to the number of available positions, though overall demand is moderate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,580↓ 2% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,880↓ 4% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $28,060. This typically ranges from $20,870 for entry-level positions to $34,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 9.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,060 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the compensation does not stand out as high for this role in the region.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fond du Lac, WI ($27,580) and Janesville-Beloit, WI.
How does the Milwaukee-Waukesha salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
Fast Food Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha earn an average of $28,060 annually, which is less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
There are approximately 2,420 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area.
Is the job market for Fast Food Cooks concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
No, the job market for Fast Food Cooks is less concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, with a Location Quotient of 0.68, indicating fewer jobs per capita compared 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 2,420 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 2.958 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI