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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Missoula, MT

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Missoula, MT, command an average annual salary of $32,750. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $31,130. Local economic factors and demand within the Missoula area contribute to this elevated compensation for fast-food cooks.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,770.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.69, the job market for fast-food cooks in Missoula indicates a stable, though not exceptionally concentrated, demand. The presence of nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent opportunities for those entering or established in this field within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,750

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Missoula, MT earns+5.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.8

Weekly

$630

Monthly

$2,729

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Missoula, MT

Salary progression for fast-food cooks in Missoula, MT, 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 can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,590$10.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,563$11.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,560$14.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,938$19.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,770$22.5

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,750

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,750 in Missoula, MT, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal earnings of a fast-food cook in Missoula hold purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

2.986

Per 1K Jobs

0.69

Location Quotient

Below Average

Missoula, MT has 0.69x 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 0.69 for fast-food cooks in Missoula suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while the job exists, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions. Employers may need to actively recruit to fill roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Missoula, MT?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Missoula, MT is $32,750. This typically ranges from $21,590 for entry-level positions to $46,770 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missoula, MT is 5.2% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Missoula, MT a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, moderately so.Cooks in Missoula earn slightly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating stable purchasing power.

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

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

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

The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Missoula, MT, is $32,750, which is higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the Cost of Living in Missoula, MT for fast-food cooks?

Missoula, MT has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your earnings in Missoula have the same purchasing power as the national average.

How concentrated is the fast-food cook job market in Missoula?

The job market for fast-food cooks in Missoula is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.69, suggesting moderate competition.

What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Missoula?

There are approximately 200 fast-food cooks employed in Missoula, MT, representing about 2.986 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Missoula, MT area with a job density of 2.986 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 Missoula, MT