SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Montana

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Montana earn an average annual salary of $28,930. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and the specific demand within Montana influence compensation levels for this role. The state's unique economic landscape and the prevalence of the fast-food industry contribute to this localized pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,490.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,310 individuals in this role, Montana presents a moderately sized labor pool for fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Montana compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable demand relative to the available workforce. While not a high-concentration area, the consistent presence of these jobs points to an ongoing need within the state's service sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,930

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Montana earns-7.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.9

Weekly

$556

Monthly

$2,411

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Montana

Salary progression for fast-food cooks in Montana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The difference between entry-level and senior roles often reflects a significant percentile gap, signifying clear career advancement opportunities within the fast-food sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,420$10.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,698$10.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,260$12.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,163$17.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,490$19

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,063

Adjusted for COL (106.9)

The average annual salary of $28,930 in Montana needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 106.9. This index is slightly above the national average, meaning that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the cost of goods and services is also slightly higher. Therefore, the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Montana may be somewhat constrained compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,310

Total Jobs

2.578

Per 1K Jobs

0.59

Location Quotient

Below Average

Montana has 0.59x 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.

Montana's Location Quotient of 0.59 for fast-food cooks signifies that the industry is less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests that while the job exists, it's not a dominant sector in terms of employment concentration compared to other states. This could imply a less saturated job market, potentially offering opportunities for those seeking employment, but also indicating that the overall demand might be more moderate.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Bozeman, MT Cooks, Fast Food Salary$31,360↑ 8%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Montana

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Montana is $28,930. This typically ranges from $21,420 for entry-level positions to $39,490 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Montana is 7.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Montana a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, Montana is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods.The average salary of $28,930 is below the national average, and the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, impacting overall earning potential.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bozeman, MT ($31,360) and others.

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

The average annual salary for a fast-food cook in Montana is $28,930.

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

Montana's cost of living index is 106.9, which is slightly higher than the national average of 100.

Is the fast-food industry concentrated in Montana?

No, the Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that the fast-food industry is less concentrated in Montana compared to the national average.

How many fast-food cooks are there in Montana?

There are approximately 1,310 fast-food cooks employed in Montana.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,310 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 2.578 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 Montana