Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Nebraska
Cooks in fast-food establishments across Nebraska earn an average annual salary of $29,770. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized compensation trend. Factors such as the state's economic landscape and the specific demand for these roles likely contribute to this differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,300.
- Outlook: Nebraska's job market for Fast Food Cooks is characterized by a workforce of approximately 2,000 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.45 suggests that this profession is less concentrated in Nebraska compared to the national average, implying a potentially stable or growing demand relative to the overall workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Nebraska earns-4.4%below the national average.
$14.3
$573
$2,481
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in Nebraska have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving market demands for quick-service dining.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Nebraska
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Nebraska typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,328 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,210 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,213 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,300 | $16.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,786
Adjusted for COL (90.8)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,770 in Nebraska for Fast Food Cooks is positioned favorably against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of this salary may be relatively stronger within Nebraska compared to higher-cost regions.
Job Market Context
2,000
Total Jobs
1.968
Per 1K Jobs
0.45
Location Quotient
At 0.45x, Nebraska has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.45, the market for Fast Food Cooks in Nebraska is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the role is present, it is not as dominant a feature of the state's employment landscape as it is nationally, potentially leading to a less saturated job market for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,430↓ 1% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Nebraska
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Nebraska?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Nebraska is $29,770. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $34,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Nebraska is 4.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Nebraska a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, but cost of living offers some advantage.Nebraska's average salary for Fast Food Cooks is below the national average. However, the lower cost of living index means that the earnings may offer reasonable purchasing power locally.
Is Nebraska a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Nebraska?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lincoln, NE ($29,430) and others.
What is the average hourly wage for a Fast Food Cook in Nebraska?
Based on the average annual salary of $29,770 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Fast Food Cook in Nebraska is around $14.31.
How does Nebraska's cost of living compare to the national average?
Nebraska's Cost of Living Index is 90.8, which is 9.2% lower than the national average of 100, making everyday expenses generally more affordable.
Are there many Fast Food Cook jobs in Nebraska?
With 1.968 jobs per 1,000 workers, Fast Food Cook positions are present in Nebraska, though the concentration (Location Quotient of 0.45) is lower than the national average.
What factors influence Fast Food Cook salaries in Nebraska?
Salaries are influenced by experience level, specific employer wage scales, the economic conditions within Nebraska, and the demand for fast-food services in particular areas of the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,000 employees in the Nebraska area with a job density of 1.968 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 Nebraska