Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Montgomery, AL
In Montgomery, AL, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $25,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Montgomery job market contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,950.
- Outlook: Montgomery boasts a substantial local workforce of 2,020 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a significant presence in the service industry. With a Location Quotient of 2.85, the concentration of these roles is more than double the national average, suggesting robust demand and a potentially stable job market for fast-food cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Montgomery, AL earns-17.4%below the national average.
$12.4
$495
$2,143
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for roles like Cooks, Fast Food experience gradual annual growth. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for service industry professionals over the past four years.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Montgomery, AL
The career path for Cooks, Fast Food in Montgomery, AL, typically shows a salary progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles. While the average is $25,720, experienced cooks can command higher salaries, with significant percentile gaps indicating opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,480 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,290 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,790 | $11.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,150 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,950 | $15.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,720 in Montgomery, AL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
2,020
Total Jobs
12.364
Per 1K Jobs
2.85
Location Quotient
Montgomery, AL has 2.9x 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.
Montgomery's Location Quotient of 2.85 signifies a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food, being 1.85 times more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the overall workforce compared to other regions, making it a competitive yet potentially abundant job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,070↑ 1% | 44 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,260↓ 2% | 44 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,020↓ 3% | 44 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,380↓ 5% | 44 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,770↑ 0% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montgomery, AL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Montgomery, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Montgomery, AL is $25,720. This typically ranges from $21,480 for entry-level positions to $31,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montgomery, AL is 17.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Montgomery, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Montgomery is significantly below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential compared to other areas.
Is Montgomery, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Montgomery, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montgomery, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area ($26,070) and Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Montgomery's job market compare nationally for fast food cooks?
Montgomery has a job market for fast food cooks that is 2.85 times more concentrated than the national average, indicating a higher relative demand for these roles within the local economy.
What is the average salary for a fast food cook in Montgomery, AL?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Montgomery, AL is $25,720.
How does the cost of living in Montgomery affect the salary?
Montgomery's cost of living is at the national average (index 100), meaning the $25,720 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary.
What is the total number of fast food cooks in Montgomery, AL?
There are approximately 2,020 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Montgomery, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,020 employees in the Montgomery, AL area with a job density of 12.364 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 Montgomery, AL