Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Owensboro, KY
In Owensboro, KY, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $24,420, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demand within the Owensboro market, and the overall cost of labor in the region compared to national benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,920.
- Outlook: Owensboro, KY, supports a local workforce of approximately 500 Cooks, Fast Food. The Location Quotient of 2.35 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand for fast-food cooking professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Owensboro, KY earns-21.6%below the national average.
$11.7
$470
$2,035
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Owensboro's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that, similar to national trends, salaries in this sector have experienced modest growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, adjustments to minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for quick-service dining.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Owensboro, KY
The salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Owensboro, KY, naturally scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,030 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,315 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,750 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,525 | $14.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,920 | $14.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $24,420 in Owensboro, KY, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Owensboro is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial baseline for residents.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
10.204
Per 1K Jobs
2.35
Location Quotient
Owensboro, KY has 2.4x 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 2.35, Owensboro, KY, demonstrates a strong concentration of fast-food cook positions relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is relatively abundant and that employers may have a wider pool of candidates, potentially influencing wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,150↑ 3% | 66 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,250↑ 3% | 68 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,840↑ 10% | 82 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,560↑ 9% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Owensboro, KY
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Owensboro, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Owensboro, KY is $24,420. This typically ranges from $21,030 for entry-level positions to $29,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Owensboro, KY is 21.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Owensboro, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Owensboro is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Owensboro, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Owensboro, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bowling Green, KY ($25,150) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Owensboro, KY has 10.204 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Fast Food, which is higher than the national average, further emphasizing the local concentration of these roles.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Owensboro?
An LQ of 2.35 means that Owensboro has 2.35 times the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs, indicating a higher demand or a larger industry presence locally.
Does Owensboro's cost of living affect the salary of a fast-food cook?
The cost of living in Owensboro is at the national average (100). This means the lower-than-national average salary of $24,420 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, but does not offset the lower nominal wage.
Are there many fast-food cook jobs in Owensboro?
Yes, with a Location Quotient of 2.35 and 10.204 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a significant concentration of fast-food cook positions in Owensboro relative to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Owensboro, KY area with a job density of 10.204 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 Owensboro, KY