Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food industry within the nonmetropolitan areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $26,280. This figure falls 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 specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,730.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in this nonmetropolitan area of Northeastern Pennsylvania appears to be moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.44 indicating a presence below the national average. The total local workforce of 250 suggests a niche but stable employment sector. With 1.921 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand, while not exceptionally high, signifies consistent opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-15.6%below the national average.
$12.6
$505
$2,190
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 Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an ongoing effort to adjust compensation in line with evolving living costs and labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fast-food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,430 | $8.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,710 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,060 | $11.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,850 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,730 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,280 in Northeastern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable compared to the rest of the country, as the cost of essential goods and services is not elevated.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.921
Per 1K Jobs
0.44
Location Quotient
At 0.44x, Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area 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 0.44, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the field is not as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a less competitive environment for job seekers compared to areas with a higher concentration of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| State College, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,650↑ 5% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,110↑ 26% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,850↑ 10% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $26,280. This typically ranges from $17,430 for entry-level positions to $36,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 15.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered a lucrative area for Cooks, Fast Food.The average annual salary of $26,280 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate indicates less financial reward compared to national benchmarks.
Is Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include State College, PA ($27,650) and Elmira, NY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A total local workforce of 250 for Cooks, Fast Food suggests a smaller, more specialized job market. While this might mean fewer overall openings, it could also lead to less competition for available positions.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.44 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.44 indicates that Cooks, Fast Food are less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This could imply a steady demand relative to the available workforce, but not necessarily a high volume of job openings.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $26,280 salary offers average purchasing power locally. This means the lower salary is somewhat offset by moderate living expenses.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Fast Food Cooks in this region?
While specific data isn't provided, career advancement typically involves gaining experience to move into supervisory or management roles, which usually come with higher pay, reflecting the general industry trend.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.921 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 Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area