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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the fast-food sector within California's nonmetropolitan North Coast region earn an average annual salary of $38,020. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized premium for this role. The higher compensation is likely driven by a combination of regional labor market dynamics and the specific demands of the service industry in this area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,200.
  • Outlook: The North Coast region supports a local workforce of 630 Cooks, Fast Food, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 5.856. The Location Quotient of 1.35 suggests that this occupation is more concentrated here than the national average, implying a robust and potentially growing demand for these essential service workers within the nonmetropolitan landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,020

The average Cooks, Fast Food in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area earns+22.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.3

Weekly

$731

Monthly

$3,168

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory or specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,510$16.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,515$13.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,430$17.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,525$22.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,200$21.3

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,020

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $38,020 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal income for a Fast Food Cook in the North Coast region of California is directly comparable to the national standard. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

630

Total Jobs

5.856

Per 1K Jobs

1.35

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.35, North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.35 for Cooks, Fast Food in the North Coast region indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a relatively strong demand and a potentially competitive market for employers seeking to fill these roles, while also presenting a favorable environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

Comparing salaries near North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area is $38,020. This typically ranges from $34,510 for entry-level positions to $44,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area is 22.1% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, it offers a higher average salary than the national average.Cooks, Fast Food in this region earn approximately $6,890 more annually than their national counterparts. This increased compensation, coupled with a cost of living at the national average, makes it a comparatively attractive location.

Is North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($37,320) and Visalia, CA.

How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?

A local workforce of 630 suggests a stable, albeit not massive, employment base for Cooks, Fast Food, indicating consistent demand within the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.35 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies that this occupation is more prevalent in the North Coast region than nationally, suggesting more job availability relative to other areas.

How does the cost of living affect the salary's real value?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $38,020 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning no significant advantage or disadvantage from regional living expenses.

Are there opportunities for career growth as a Fast Food Cook in this region?

Yes, the salary distribution typically shows higher earnings for more experienced individuals, indicating clear pathways for career progression and increased compensation.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.856 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.