Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Paducah, KY-IL
In Paducah, KY-IL, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $25,150. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the fast-food sector in this area. The concentration of these roles also plays a part in the compensation offered.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,750.
- Outlook: The Paducah, KY-IL area supports a notable workforce of approximately 600 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 2.76, this role is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a substantial presence of fast-food establishments within the local economy. This high concentration points to a stable job market for these positions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Paducah, KY-IL earns-19.2%below the national average.
$12.1
$484
$2,096
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Paducah, KY-IL have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of incremental wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a consistent, albeit potentially slow, upward trajectory in earnings for this profession.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Paducah, KY-IL
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with increased responsibilities and supervisory duties. While specific salary data by experience level isn't detailed here, the typical salary range widens significantly as experience grows, with senior cooks earning considerably more than their junior counterparts. These percentile gaps represent clear opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,410 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,863 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,120 | $11.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,438 | $15.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,750 | $15.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,150 in Paducah, KY-IL 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 comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
11.944
Per 1K Jobs
2.76
Location Quotient
Paducah, KY-IL has 2.8x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.76 for Cooks, Fast Food in Paducah, KY-IL signifies a market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a high demand for fast-food workers relative to the general labor force, making the job market potentially competitive for employers seeking staff but offering ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,740↑ 14% | 53 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,560↑ 6% | 80 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,420↓ 3% | 96 mi |
| Jackson, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,390↑ 9% | 99 mi |
Comparing salaries near Paducah, KY-IL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Paducah, KY-IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Paducah, KY-IL is $25,150. This typically ranges from $21,410 for entry-level positions to $31,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Paducah, KY-IL is 19.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Paducah, KY-IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, but opportunities are abundant.While the average salary of $25,150 is below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.76) suggests strong demand and numerous employment opportunities within the fast-food sector.
Is Paducah, KY-IL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Paducah, KY-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Paducah, KY-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($28,740) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the Paducah, KY-IL salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Paducah, KY-IL is $25,150, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Fast Food in Paducah, KY-IL?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.76, indicating that Cooks, Fast Food are significantly more prevalent in Paducah, KY-IL than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Paducah, KY-IL affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Paducah, KY-IL is at the national average. This means the $25,150 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What does the total local workforce size suggest?
A local workforce of 600 Cooks, Fast Food indicates a substantial segment of the local economy is dedicated to this role, supporting the high concentration observed.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Paducah, KY-IL area with a job density of 11.944 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 Paducah, KY-IL