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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Rapid City, SD

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Rapid City, South Dakota, earn an average annual salary of $31,160. This figure is remarkably aligned with the national average of $31,130, indicating a stable pay scale across the country for this role. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Rapid City's culinary landscape likely contribute to this near-parity.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,530.
  • Outlook: The fast-food cook job market in Rapid City, SD, is characterized by a local workforce of 200 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting that while the profession exists, it is not a disproportionately dominant sector within the local economy compared to national trends. The presence of 2.754 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,160

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Rapid City, SD earns+0.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15

Weekly

$599

Monthly

$2,597

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Rapid City, SD

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Rapid City, SD, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,880$13.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,370$11.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,400$14.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,950$18.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,530$17.6

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,160

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $31,160 in Rapid City, SD, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100, precisely matching the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Rapid City is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

2.754

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rapid City, SD has 0.64x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Rapid City, SD, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a demand for these workers, the field is not oversaturated, and the number of fast-food establishments relative to the overall workforce is lower than the national benchmark. This could imply a moderately competitive job market for employers seeking staff, and potentially stable employment opportunities for individuals in this profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Rapid City, SD?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Rapid City, SD is $31,160. This typically ranges from $28,880 for entry-level positions to $36,530 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rapid City, SD is 0.1% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Rapid City, SD a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $31,160 is on par with the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.

Is Rapid City, SD a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Rapid City, SD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does Rapid City's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Rapid City, SD, is $31,160, which is virtually identical to the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Rapid City compared to the rest of the US?

Rapid City has a lower concentration of fast-food cooks, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.64, meaning the profession is less prevalent there than the national average.

Does the cost of living in Rapid City affect the value of a fast-food cook's salary?

No, the Cost of Living Index in Rapid City is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the $31,160 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for fast-food cooks in Rapid City?

With 2.754 jobs per 1,000 workers, it indicates a steady but not exceptionally high demand for fast-food cooks within the Rapid City labor market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Rapid City, SD area with a job density of 2.754 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 Rapid City, SD