SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Minnesota

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Minnesota earn an average annual salary of $31,990. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a modest premium for this role within the state. Factors such as regional economic conditions and the specific demand within Minnesota's food service sector likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,730.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 7,400 individuals in this role, Minnesota demonstrates a significant presence of fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.58 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a potentially stable demand relative to the overall job market. The rate of 2.532 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for these essential service professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,990

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Minnesota earns+2.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.4

Weekly

$615

Monthly

$2,666

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Minnesota

The career path for a fast-food cook typically begins at an entry-level position, with salaries reflecting foundational skills and limited experience. As individuals gain experience, develop advanced culinary techniques, and potentially take on supervisory responsibilities, their earning potential increases significantly. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight the tangible rewards of career progression and skill development within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$23,880$11.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,993$11.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,810$14.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,988$19.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,730$18.6

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,888

Adjusted for COL (94.4)

The average annual salary of $31,990 in Minnesota presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.4. This index is slightly below the national average (100), suggesting that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Minnesota may be somewhat higher than the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

7,400

Total Jobs

2.532

Per 1K Jobs

0.58

Location Quotient

Below Average

Minnesota has 0.58x 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 0.58 indicates that fast-food cooks are less concentrated in Minnesota compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these professionals may be less saturated, potentially leading to more opportunities for qualified individuals. While not an area of extreme specialization, the demand appears steady, offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
St. Cloud, MN Cooks, Fast Food Salary$30,910↓ 3%17 mi
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$32,670↑ 2%58 mi

Comparing salaries near Minnesota

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Minnesota is $31,990. This typically ranges from $23,880 for entry-level positions to $38,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Minnesota is 2.8% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Minnesota a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, moderately.Minnesota offers a slightly higher average salary than the national average for fast-food cooks, coupled with a cost of living that is below the national average, enhancing purchasing power.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Minnesota?

Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($30,910) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.

How does experience affect a fast-food cook's salary in Minnesota?

Experience significantly impacts earnings, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or supervisory roles commanding higher salaries due to increased skills and responsibilities.

Is the job market for fast-food cooks competitive in Minnesota?

With a Location Quotient below the national average, the market is likely less saturated than in other regions, suggesting a moderately competitive environment with steady demand.

What is the average salary for a fast-food cook in Minnesota?

The average annual salary for a fast-food cook in Minnesota is approximately $31,990.

How does Minnesota's cost of living compare to the national average?

Minnesota's cost of living is slightly below the national average, with an index of 94.4 compared to the national benchmark of 100.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,400 employees in the Minnesota area with a job density of 2.532 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 Minnesota