Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in New York
Fast Food Cooks in New York earn an average annual salary of $34,690, which is notably higher than the national average of $31,130. This salary differential is largely influenced by New York's robust economic landscape and the increased operational costs associated with doing business in the state, which often translate to higher wages for service industry roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,690.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 21,210 individuals in this role, New York demonstrates a significant presence of Fast Food Cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.51 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially stable or growing demand relative to the overall job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in New York earns+11.4%above the national average.
$16.7
$667
$2,891
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Fast Food Cooks in New York has experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for convenient food options and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws likely contribute to upward salary pressure in this sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in New York
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in New York typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or shift supervisors, with proven reliability and advanced skills, can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,018 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,160 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,363 | $20.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,690 | $18.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,730
Adjusted for COL (125.1)
The average annual salary of $34,690 in New York must be considered within the context of its Cost of Living Index of 125.1. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the actual purchasing power of that income is reduced due to the higher cost of goods and services, including housing, transportation, and daily expenses.
Job Market Context
21,210
Total Jobs
2.223
Per 1K Jobs
0.51
Location Quotient
New York has 0.51x 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 0.51 indicates that Fast Food Cooks are less concentrated in New York compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job is prevalent, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering competitive opportunities for skilled individuals. Employers might need to offer attractive compensation to secure qualified staff in this less concentrated labor pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,060↓ 5% | 49 mi |
| Kingston, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,700↑ 3% | 51 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,400↓ 21% | 64 mi |
| Utica-Rome, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,030↓ 2% | 66 mi |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,850↓ 5% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near New York
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in New York?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in New York is $34,690. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $38,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New York is 11.4% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is New York a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, but with caveats.While the average salary of $34,690 is higher than the national average, the significantly elevated cost of living in New York means that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in lower-cost regions.
Is New York a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in New York is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New York?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($33,060) and Kingston, NY.
How does experience affect a Fast Food Cook's salary in New York?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases. Entry-level cooks earn less, while those with several years of experience, supervisory skills, or specialized knowledge can negotiate higher wages, moving into higher percentile brackets.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.51 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.51, suggests that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in New York is lower than the national average. This could imply a more balanced job market with potentially good opportunities for qualified candidates.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $34,690 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, New York is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means that $34,690 will afford less in terms of housing, food, and other necessities compared to a similar salary in a more affordable state.
Are there many Fast Food Cook jobs in New York?
New York has a substantial workforce of 21,210 Fast Food Cooks, with 2.223 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a consistent presence and demand for these roles within the state's economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 21,210 employees in the New York area with a job density of 2.223 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 York