SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area

In the nonmetropolitan areas of Northeastern South Carolina, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $25,140. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for highly specialized culinary roles. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region significantly influences compensation levels for fast-food service positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,140 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,670.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Northeastern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.31 indicating a presence higher than the national average. While the total local workforce of 440 suggests a moderate-sized segment, this elevated quotient points to a relatively robust demand for these roles within the region compared to national benchmarks. This suggests a stable, albeit localized, job market for fast-food cooks.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,140

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-19.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.1

Weekly

$483

Monthly

$2,095

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience and demonstrated skill. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized knowledge can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$18,390$8.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,855$9.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$23,110$11.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$31,425$15.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,670$16.7

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,140

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,140

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $25,140 for Cooks, Fast Food in Northeastern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar living standards to other regions, though potentially with fewer discretionary funds.

Job Market Context

440

Total Jobs

5.681

Per 1K Jobs

1.31

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.31, Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.31, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Northeastern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that these roles are relatively more prevalent or in higher demand within this specific region compared to the country as a whole. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it points to a healthy presence of these jobs, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified individuals than in areas with a lower quotient.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

Comparing salaries near Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $25,140. This typically ranges from $18,390 for entry-level positions to $34,670 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 19.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods.The average salary of $25,140 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower wage limits earning potential.

Is Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($24,480) and Sumter, SC.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Fast Food Cooks?

The local workforce of 440 indicates a moderate segment of the population is employed in this sector, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for Fast Food Cooks in the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.31 mean for Fast Food Cooks?

A Location Quotient of 1.31 signifies that Fast Food Cooks are more concentrated in Northeastern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average, implying relatively higher demand or availability of these positions.

How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $25,140 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $25,140 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage is somewhat offset by lower living expenses compared to high-cost areas.

Are there opportunities for career advancement for Fast Food Cooks in this region?

While specific advancement paths depend on individual establishments, the presence of a concentrated job market suggests that experienced cooks may find opportunities to move into supervisory or specialized roles within the fast-food industry.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.681 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.