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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Ohio

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Ohio earn an average annual salary of $27,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by various economic factors within the state. The specific economic conditions and demand for these roles in Ohio contribute to this salary differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,070.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 12,610 Cooks, Fast Food, Ohio presents a significant presence in this sector. However, a Location Quotient of 0.53 suggests that this role is less concentrated in Ohio compared to the national average, implying a potentially less saturated but still active job market for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,630

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Ohio earns-11.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.3

Weekly

$531

Monthly

$2,303

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Ohio

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Ohio typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food service industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,740$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,723$10
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,520$12.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,538$16.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,070$16.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,430

Adjusted for COL (90.8)

The nominal average annual salary of $27,630 in Ohio for Cooks, Fast Food is positioned against a Cost of Living Index of 90.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of this salary may be relatively stronger within Ohio compared to higher-cost regions, even though the absolute salary is lower than the national average.

Job Market Context

12,610

Total Jobs

2.282

Per 1K Jobs

0.53

Location Quotient

Below Average

Ohio has 0.53x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.53 for Cooks, Fast Food in Ohio indicates that this profession is less prevalent in the state's workforce relative to the national distribution. This suggests that while the job exists, the market may not be as intensely competitive or saturated as in other states with higher concentration, potentially offering opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Mansfield, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,510↓ 8%29 mi
Columbus, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary$29,510↑ 7%32 mi
Springfield, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary$24,750↓ 10%63 mi
Sandusky, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,130↑ 2%73 mi
Lima, OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,210↓ 5%75 mi

Comparing salaries near Ohio

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Ohio?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Ohio is $27,630. This typically ranges from $21,740 for entry-level positions to $34,070 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ohio is 11.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Ohio a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, Ohio is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods when compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,630 is below the national average, and the lower concentration (LQ of 0.53) suggests less demand relative to other states.

Is Ohio a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Ohio?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mansfield, OH ($25,510) and Columbus, OH.

How does Ohio's cost of living affect a Fast Food Cook's salary?

Ohio's cost of living index of 90.8 is below the national average, meaning that the $27,630 salary, while lower than the national average, may offer relatively better purchasing power within the state.

What is the job market like for Fast Food Cooks in Ohio?

The job market has a significant presence with over 12,000 workers, but the lower Location Quotient suggests it's less concentrated than the national average, indicating moderate competition.

Can experience significantly increase a Fast Food Cook's salary in Ohio?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior cooks and those in supervisory roles typically earning more than entry-level positions.

How does Ohio's average salary for Fast Food Cooks compare to the national average?

The average annual salary of $27,630 in Ohio is approximately $3,500 less than the national average of $31,130.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,610 employees in the Ohio area with a job density of 2.282 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ohio