Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Pittsburgh, PA, earn an average annual salary of $25,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,420.
- Outlook: The Pittsburgh fast-food cook job market comprises 2,010 individuals, with a Location Quotient of 0.42. This indicates a lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of jobs is substantial, the relative demand may not be as high as in other regions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Pittsburgh, PA earns-17.4%below the national average.
$12.4
$494
$2,143
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 Pittsburgh, like in many other markets, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions, though the rate of increase can vary.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. As individuals gain more experience and skills, their earning potential increases, reflected in higher salary percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior positions signifies a clear career ladder within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,350 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,283 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,130 | $11.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,138 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,420 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,710 in Pittsburgh 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 salary in Pittsburgh is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal pay relatively stable in terms of local expenses.
Job Market Context
2,010
Total Jobs
1.817
Per 1K Jobs
0.42
Location Quotient
At 0.42x, Pittsburgh, PA has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.42, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Pittsburgh is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are a considerable number of these roles (1.817 jobs per 1,000 workers), the competition might be less intense compared to areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities for job seekers relative to the number of available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,170↓ 2% | 30 mi |
| Wheeling, WV-OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,640↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Morgantown, WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,620↓ 4% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Pittsburgh, PA is $25,710. This typically ranges from $17,350 for entry-level positions to $36,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 17.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Pittsburgh, PA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $25,710 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($25,170) and Wheeling, WV-OH.
How does the Pittsburgh fast-food job market compare to the national average in terms of concentration?
The market for Cooks, Fast Food in Pittsburgh has a Location Quotient of 0.42, which is less than half the national average. This indicates a lower relative concentration of these jobs in Pittsburgh compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks employed in Pittsburgh?
There are approximately 2,010 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Pittsburgh, PA area.
How does the cost of living in Pittsburgh affect the salary of a fast-food cook?
Pittsburgh's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the lower-than-average salary of $25,710 for fast-food cooks has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being nominally lower.
Are there many fast-food cook jobs per thousand workers in Pittsburgh?
Yes, there are 1.817 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Fast Food in Pittsburgh, which indicates a steady presence of these roles within the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,010 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 1.817 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 Pittsburgh, PA