Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in New Hampshire
Cooks in fast-food establishments across New Hampshire earn an average annual salary of $37,960, significantly surpassing the national average of $31,130. This higher compensation is likely influenced by a combination of factors unique to the Granite State, including a potentially higher cost of living and specific regional labor market dynamics that favor skilled food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,640.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,280 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.77, New Hampshire presents a moderately concentrated but stable job market for this role. While not exceeding the national average concentration, the existing workforce size indicates a consistent demand for fast-food services throughout the state, suggesting a robust environment for employment in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in New Hampshire earns+21.9%above the national average.
$18.3
$730
$3,163
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in New Hampshire have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend would align with broader economic patterns, including inflation, rising minimum wages, and increasing demand for convenient food services, all contributing to upward pressure on wages in this sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in New Hampshire
Within the fast-food cook profession in New Hampshire, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,730 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,470 | $13.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,220 | $17.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,450 | $22.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,640 | $21.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,837
Adjusted for COL (115.6)
The average annual salary of $37,960 in New Hampshire for Cooks, Fast Food must be considered in light of the state's Cost of Living Index of 115.6. This index, which is 15.6% above the national average, suggests that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of that income may be somewhat diminished due to the increased cost of goods and services in the state.
Job Market Context
2,280
Total Jobs
3.343
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
New Hampshire has 0.77x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs in New Hampshire is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately represented in the state's labor market compared to other occupations, implying a balanced supply and demand dynamic.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,880↓ 3% | 33 mi |
| Portland-South Portland, ME Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,660↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,740↓ 8% | 70 mi |
| Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,190↓ 7% | 70 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $39,430↑ 4% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Hampshire
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in New Hampshire is $37,960. This typically ranges from $30,730 for entry-level positions to $45,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Hampshire is 21.9% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is New Hampshire a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, with caveats.Cooks, Fast Food in New Hampshire earn a higher average salary than the national average, but this is offset by a higher cost of living in the state.
Is New Hampshire a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in New Hampshire is 115.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Hampshire?
Some top paying nearby cities include Manchester-Nashua, NH ($36,880) and Portland-South Portland, ME.
How does the New Hampshire salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in New Hampshire is $37,960, which is notably higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Fast Food in New Hampshire?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Fast Food in New Hampshire is 0.77, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Fast Food Cooks in New Hampshire?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.6, New Hampshire is more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary of $37,960 may have less purchasing power than it appears.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks employed in New Hampshire?
There are approximately 2,280 Cooks, Fast Food employed within New Hampshire.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,280 employees in the New Hampshire area with a job density of 3.343 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 New Hampshire