SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Pennsylvania

Fast Food Cooks in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $28,390, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of local economic factors, regional demand for these services, and the overall cost of labor within the state. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone considering a career in this sector in Pennsylvania.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,830.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 12,420 individuals, the role of Fast Food Cooks represents a significant segment of Pennsylvania's service industry. The location quotient of 0.48 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Pennsylvania compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable or growing demand for these roles relative to the overall job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,390

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Pennsylvania earns-8.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.7

Weekly

$546

Monthly

$2,366

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania

The career path for Fast Food Cooks typically involves progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with increased responsibilities and supervisory duties. Salary data commonly shows a widening gap between the lower and upper percentiles as experience increases, with senior cooks earning significantly more than their junior counterparts, reflecting acquired skills and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,930$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,293$10.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,440$13.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,488$17.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,830$18.2

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,677

Adjusted for COL (99)

The average annual salary of $28,390 in Pennsylvania aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is at the national average. This suggests that the nominal income earned by Fast Food Cooks in Pennsylvania offers purchasing power that is relatively on par with the national standard, making the salary's impact on lifestyle comparable to other regions.

Job Market Context

12,420

Total Jobs

2.065

Per 1K Jobs

0.48

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.48x, Pennsylvania has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A location quotient of 0.48 for Fast Food Cooks in Pennsylvania signifies that this profession is less prevalent in the state compared to the national average. This could indicate a less saturated job market, potentially offering more opportunities for employment or a more competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
State College, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,650↓ 3%45 mi
Elmira, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary$33,110↑ 17%65 mi
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,850↑ 2%66 mi

Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Pennsylvania is $28,390. This typically ranges from $21,930 for entry-level positions to $37,830 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 8.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, Pennsylvania is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,390 is below the national average of $31,130, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay reduces overall earning potential.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?

Some top paying nearby cities include State College, PA ($27,650) and Elmira, NY.

How does the number of Fast Food Cooks in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?

Pennsylvania has 2.065 Fast Food Cooks per 1,000 workers, which is lower than the national average, indicated by a location quotient of 0.48.

What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks employed in Pennsylvania?

There are approximately 12,420 Fast Food Cooks employed within the state of Pennsylvania.

How does the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania affect the Fast Food Cook salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (national average), the $28,390 salary in Pennsylvania provides purchasing power that is very close to the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.48 mean for Fast Food Cooks in PA?

A Location Quotient of 0.48 suggests that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Pennsylvania is less than half of the national average, implying a potentially less competitive job market for these roles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,420 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 2.065 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 Pennsylvania