Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
In the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $25,490. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand for this role within the local labor market. The lower average pay is often influenced by the cost of labor and the prevalence of fast-food establishments in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,830.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in this region encompasses a local workforce of 390 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand. The presence of 4.215 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-18.1%below the national average.
$12.3
$490
$2,124
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 the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though likely modest, would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain competitive employment conditions within the fast-food sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or specialized culinary knowledge can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity as individuals develop their expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,400 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,118 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,210 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,863 | $15.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,830 | $16.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,490 in Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area 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 is effectively equivalent to the national standard, making the region's affordability a key factor in assessing the true value of the salary.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
4.215
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.97x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Northwestern South Carolina is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates that the demand for these roles is relatively balanced with the national landscape, suggesting neither an oversaturated market nor a significant shortage. Employers likely face moderate competition for talent, and job seekers can expect a steady availability of opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,480↓ 4% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,970↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,970↓ 6% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,120↑ 2% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,510↑ 4% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $25,490. This typically ranges from $18,400 for entry-level positions to $34,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 18.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food.The average salary of $25,490 is notably below the national average, even though the Cost of Living is at the national average. This suggests lower earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwestern 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?
A local workforce of 390 suggests a moderate-sized pool of potential employees, indicating that while there are opportunities, the market is not flooded with workers, potentially leading to stable demand.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.97 signify for Fast Food Cooks?
A Location Quotient of 0.97 means the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in this area is just slightly below the national average, indicating a balanced job market with steady employment opportunities.
How does the Cost of Living impact the $25,490 salary?
Since the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), the $25,490 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by local affordability.
Are there many Fast Food Cook jobs per capita in this region?
With 4.215 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of Fast Food Cook positions relative to the population, suggesting ongoing demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.215 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 Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area