Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $26,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business contribute to this pay differential. The concentration of this role in the area, however, indicates a specific local demand.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,270.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food Cooks in Northeast Alabama appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,260 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 3.44 signifies a significantly greater concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand and a specialized employment landscape for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-16.3%below the national average.
$12.5
$501
$2,173
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in Northeast Alabama have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or industry-specific adjustments. This upward trajectory, though likely modest, would aim to keep pace with inflation and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Fast Food Cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, such as shift leader or assistant manager. While exact salary increases are not detailed, the percentile gaps in salary distributions generally signify that experienced cooks can command higher wages than those just starting out, reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,180 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,553 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,080 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,588 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,270 | $14.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Northeast Alabama's nonmetropolitan area is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $26,070 for Fast Food Cooks has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a typical U.S. location, offering a stable, albeit not high, standard of living relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
2,260
Total Jobs
14.903
Per 1K Jobs
3.44
Location Quotient
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 3.4x 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.
The Location Quotient of 3.44 for Fast Food Cooks in Northeast Alabama is exceptionally high, indicating that this occupation is more than three times as concentrated in this region compared to the rest of the United States. This suggests a very competitive or abundant job market, where employers may have a larger pool of available talent, potentially influencing wage levels.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,720↓ 1% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,360↑ 5% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,590↑ 2% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,770↓ 1% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,980↓ 4% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $26,070. This typically ranges from $22,180 for entry-level positions to $30,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 16.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $26,070 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130, indicating less financial reward for this role in the region.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,720) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the Northeast Alabama salary for Fast Food Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Northeast Alabama is $26,070, which is approximately $5,000 less than the national average of $31,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 3.44 mean for Fast Food Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 3.44 signifies that Fast Food Cooks are much more concentrated in Northeast Alabama than in the U.S. overall, indicating a high demand or a specialized local job market for this role.
What is the purchasing power of a $26,070 salary in Northeast Alabama?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power of $26,070 in Northeast Alabama is equivalent to the national average, meaning your money goes as far as it would in a typical U.S. location.
How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in Northeast Alabama?
There are approximately 2,260 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,260 employees in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 14.903 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 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area