Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Fast Food Cooks in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,610. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a marginally more favorable compensation landscape in this region. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the fast-food sector likely contribute to this modest pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,000.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 8,930 Fast Food Cooks, Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler demonstrates a significant presence in this occupational category. The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of workers indicates a robust and active job market for fast-food positions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ earns+4.8%above the national average.
$15.7
$627
$2,718
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage trends across the service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving labor market dynamics that necessitate competitive pay to attract and retain staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,850 | $14.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,458 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,140 | $15 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,763 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,000 | $17.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,610 in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food Cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, neither offering a significant advantage nor disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
8,930
Total Jobs
3.812
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ has 0.88x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates that the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler area has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food Cooks relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is substantial, it may not be disproportionately dominated by this specific role, potentially leading to a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,340↓ 4% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is $32,610. This typically ranges from $29,850 for entry-level positions to $36,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is 4.8% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is only slightly above the national average, and the Cost of Living is exactly at the national average, offering no substantial financial advantage.
Is Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Arizona nonmetropolitan area ($31,340) and others.
What is the average hourly wage for a Fast Food Cook in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Based on the average annual salary of $32,610 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Fast Food Cook in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is around $15.68.
How does the number of Fast Food Cook jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ has 3.812 Fast Food Cook jobs per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 0.88.
Are there many Fast Food Cook opportunities in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Yes, with a total local workforce of 8,930 Fast Food Cooks, there is a significant number of job opportunities available in this sector within the metropolitan area.
Does experience impact a Fast Food Cook's salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Absolutely. More experienced Fast Food Cooks typically earn higher wages than entry-level employees, reflecting increased skills, efficiency, and potential supervisory roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,930 employees in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area with a job density of 3.812 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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ