Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,020. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized fast-food roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape of this region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,490.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food Cooks in Northwest Alabama appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 960 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 3.29 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying strong local demand and a well-established presence of fast-food establishments within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-19.6%below the national average.
$12
$481
$2,085
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Northwest Alabama is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages for Fast Food Cooks over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic growth and inflation typically drive incremental salary increases, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the rising cost of living and labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,760 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,765 | $9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,250 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,275 | $15 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,490 | $14.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,020 in Northwest Alabama aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is balanced with the prevailing wages.
Job Market Context
960
Total Jobs
14.278
Per 1K Jobs
3.29
Location Quotient
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 3.3x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 3.29, Northwest Alabama exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Fast Food Cooks than the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially competitive job market for these roles, suggesting that employers may have a larger pool of available talent, while job seekers might find more opportunities within this specific sector compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,720↑ 3% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,360↑ 9% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,590↑ 6% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,770↑ 3% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,980↓ 0% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $25,020. This typically ranges from $18,760 for entry-level positions to $30,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 19.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $25,020 is substantially lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,720) and Birmingham, AL.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in Northwest Alabama?
There are approximately 960 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Northwest Alabama compare nationally?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 3.29, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.0, indicating a greater prevalence of these jobs in the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.29 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.29 suggests a strong demand and a higher density of Fast Food Cook positions relative to the overall workforce in Northwest Alabama, potentially offering more job opportunities.
How does the average salary compare to the cost of living in Northwest Alabama?
The average salary of $25,020 is lower than the national average, but the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 960 employees in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 14.278 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Fast Food Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area