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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Modesto, CA

Fast Food Cooks in Modesto, CA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $38,610, significantly surpassing the national average of $31,130. This elevated pay is largely influenced by Modesto's specific economic landscape and the demand for these essential service roles within the local community.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,030.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 1,700 Fast Food Cooks and a Location Quotient of 2.02, Modesto demonstrates a robust and concentrated job market for this profession. This high concentration indicates a strong demand and a significant presence of these roles relative to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing employment sector for cooks in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,610

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Modesto, CA earns+24.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.6

Weekly

$743

Monthly

$3,218

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Modesto typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,530$16.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,958$13.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,650$17.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,263$23.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,030$21.2

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,610

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,610 in Modesto 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 Modesto is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,700

Total Jobs

8.758

Per 1K Jobs

2.02

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Modesto, CA has 2.0x 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.

A Location Quotient of 2.02 signifies that Modesto has more than double the concentration of Fast Food Cook positions compared to the national average. This suggests a highly competitive or abundant job market, where employers may actively seek out talent, potentially leading to better negotiation power for experienced cooks or a wider array of job opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Stockton-Lodi, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$37,170↓ 4%29 mi
Merced, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$37,400↓ 3%37 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$42,330↑ 10%53 mi
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$37,980↓ 2%69 mi
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$39,000↑ 1%73 mi

Comparing salaries near Modesto, CA

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Modesto, CA is $38,610. This typically ranges from $34,530 for entry-level positions to $44,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 24.0% higher than the national median of $31,130.

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

Yes, Modesto, CA offers a lucrative environment for Fast Food Cooks.The average salary of $38,610 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the earnings more impactful.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Modesto, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Stockton-Lodi, CA ($37,170) and Merced, CA.

How does the Modesto salary compare to the national average?

Fast Food Cooks in Modesto earn an average of $38,610 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Modesto?

A Location Quotient of 2.02 indicates that Modesto has a much higher concentration of Fast Food Cook jobs than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in Modesto?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Modesto's cost of living is average nationally. This means the higher salary translates directly to good purchasing power for cooks.

What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in Modesto?

There are approximately 1,700 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Modesto, CA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,700 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 8.758 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 Modesto, CA