Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Mississippi
Cooks in Mississippi's fast-food sector earn an average annual salary of $23,230, which is notably lower than the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the overall labor market dynamics within the state, impacting compensation levels for this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,290.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 10,520 individuals and a Location Quotient of 2.09, Mississippi demonstrates a significant concentration of fast-food cooks relative to the national average. This indicates a robust and established presence of this occupation within the state's employment landscape, suggesting consistent demand.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Mississippi earns-25.4%below the national average.
$11.2
$447
$1,936
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for fast-food cooks in Mississippi is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward movement, however, may be moderated by the state's specific economic conditions and labor supply.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Mississippi
Salary progression for fast-food cooks in Mississippi 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 opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,350 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,423 | $8.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,250 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,038 | $14 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,290 | $13.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,794
Adjusted for COL (86.7)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,230 in Mississippi for fast-food cooks is significantly impacted by the state's lower Cost of Living Index of 86.7. This means that while the take-home pay is less than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is relatively higher within Mississippi, potentially offsetting some of the nominal wage difference.
Job Market Context
10,520
Total Jobs
9.068
Per 1K Jobs
2.09
Location Quotient
Mississippi has 2.1x 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.
Mississippi's Location Quotient of 2.09 for fast-food cooks signifies a job market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a highly competitive environment for job seekers, but also indicates a strong and persistent demand for these services within the state's economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,320↑ 0% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Mississippi
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Mississippi is $23,230. This typically ranges from $18,350 for entry-level positions to $28,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Mississippi is 25.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Mississippi a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Mississippi is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods based on average annual earnings.The average annual salary of $23,230 is substantially below the national average of $31,130. While the cost of living is lower, the nominal wage remains significantly less competitive.
Is Mississippi a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Mississippi?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($23,320) and others.
How does the number of fast-food cooks in Mississippi compare nationally?
Mississippi has 9.068 fast-food cooks per 1,000 workers, which is more than double the national average, indicating a higher concentration of this role within the state's workforce.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks employed in Mississippi?
There are approximately 10,520 individuals employed as fast-food cooks in Mississippi, representing a significant segment of the state's food service industry.
How does the cost of living in Mississippi affect the salary of a fast-food cook?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86.7, Mississippi is more affordable than the national average. This means the $23,230 salary, while lower in absolute terms, may offer comparable or slightly better purchasing power locally.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.09 mean for fast-food cooks in Mississippi?
A Location Quotient of 2.09 indicates that fast-food cooks are more than twice as common in Mississippi's workforce compared to the national average, suggesting a strong presence and demand for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,520 employees in the Mississippi area with a job density of 9.068 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 Mississippi