Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas can expect an average annual salary of $26,610. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand for these roles in the area. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,480.
- Outlook: The job market for fast-food cooks in Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas, with a total local workforce of 410, presents a modest concentration of roles. The Location Quotient of 0.45 suggests that this profession is less prevalent here compared to the national average, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. With 1.95 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market is neither saturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, pointing to a consistent need for these services.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-14.5%below the national average.
$12.8
$512
$2,218
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for service industry positions, including fast-food cooks, as businesses adapt to maintain competitiveness and attract staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
The salary progression for fast-food cooks in Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities 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 field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,250 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,958 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,690 | $12.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,263 | $16 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,480 | $16.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,610 for fast-food cooks in Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard. Consequently, the financial impact of this salary is neither significantly diminished nor enhanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
1.95
Per 1K Jobs
0.45
Location Quotient
At 0.45x, Northern Indiana 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 0.45, the market for fast-food cooks in Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the job market is not overly saturated, and there may be a steady demand for qualified individuals. While not a high-demand sector relative to national benchmarks, the lower concentration indicates a stable employment environment for these roles, without intense competition for positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,260↑ 17% | 8 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,030↑ 9% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,200↑ 2% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $26,610. This typically ranges from $21,250 for entry-level positions to $33,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 14.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for fast-food cooks.The average annual salary of $26,610 is below the national average, and the job market, while stable, is less concentrated than the national average.
Is Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($31,260) and Bloomington, IN.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas is $26,610, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many fast-food cooks are employed in this region?
There are approximately 410 fast-food cooks employed in Northern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas, representing 1.95 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Is there high demand for fast-food cooks in this area?
The demand is moderate; the Location Quotient of 0.45 indicates that fast-food cooks are less concentrated in this region compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.95 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 Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area