Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Morgantown, WV
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Morgantown, WV, earn an average annual salary of $24,620. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Morgantown area. The cost of living in Morgantown is on par with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $27,880.
- Outlook: Morgantown, WV, hosts a significant local workforce of 1,230 Cooks, Fast Food, with 18.391 jobs per 1,000 workers. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.24 signifies a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing to robust local demand and a specialized job market for fast-food cooks within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Morgantown, WV earns-20.9%below the national average.
$11.8
$473
$2,052
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Morgantown's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that wages in this sector have seen modest growth, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for quick-service dining likely contribute to incremental salary increases for these roles over time.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Morgantown, WV
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,840 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,465 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,390 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,775 | $14.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $27,880 | $13.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $24,620 for Cooks, Fast Food in Morgantown, WV, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income in Morgantown is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the lower wages are offset by the stable cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,230
Total Jobs
18.391
Per 1K Jobs
4.24
Location Quotient
Morgantown, WV has 4.2x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 4.24, Morgantown, WV, demonstrates a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food positions relative to the rest of the United States. This indicates a strong local demand for these workers and suggests that the job market is abundant with opportunities for individuals seeking employment in this specific culinary sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV-OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,640↑ 0% | 50 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,710↑ 4% | 55 mi |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,170↑ 2% | 62 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,660↓ 4% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Morgantown, WV
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Morgantown, WV?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Morgantown, WV is $24,620. This typically ranges from $21,840 for entry-level positions to $27,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Morgantown, WV is 20.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Morgantown, WV a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living Index is average, the nominal salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Morgantown is significantly lower than the national average, impacting overall earning potential.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Morgantown, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wheeling, WV-OH ($24,640) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does Morgantown's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Morgantown, WV, is $24,620, which is notably lower than the national average of $31,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 4.24 mean for fast-food cooks in Morgantown?
A Location Quotient of 4.24 indicates that Morgantown has a much higher concentration of fast-food cook jobs per capita than the national average, suggesting strong local demand for these roles.
Does the Cost of Living in Morgantown affect the salary for fast-food cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $24,620 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, though it remains below the national average wage.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Morgantown?
There are approximately 1,230 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Morgantown, WV, representing a significant portion of the local workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,230 employees in the Morgantown, WV area with a job density of 18.391 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 Morgantown, WV