Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Reading, PA
In Reading, PA, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,640. 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 Reading area for this role. The cost of living in Reading aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal salary may have a direct impact on purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,850.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Reading, PA, features a local workforce of 410 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.56, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting a moderately less saturated market compared to other regions. The presence of 2.41 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for fast-food cooking professionals within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Reading, PA earns-8.0%below the national average.
$13.8
$551
$2,387
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Reading, PA's fast-food cook salaries over the last four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national wage growth. Factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage legislation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest annual salary increases for roles like Cooks, Fast Food, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract a consistent workforce.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Reading, PA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while experienced cooks with supervisory duties 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 Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,600 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,480 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,930 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,800 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,850 | $18.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Reading, PA, is $28,640. When compared to the local Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), this salary suggests that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook in Reading is directly in line with the national median. While not affording significant savings, it indicates that the earnings are sufficient to maintain a standard of living comparable to the average American.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
2.41
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 0.56x 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 0.56, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Reading, PA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the supply of workers or the number of establishments relative to the overall economy is lower than the national benchmark. This could translate to a slightly more competitive environment for employers seeking to fill positions, potentially leading to slightly better negotiation power for experienced candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,390↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,530↑ 10% | 48 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,050↓ 2% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Reading, PA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Reading, PA is $28,640. This typically ranges from $22,600 for entry-level positions to $37,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 8.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Reading, PA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food based on current data.The average salary of $28,640 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is at the national average, the nominal pay does not offer a significant advantage.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lancaster, PA ($28,390) and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD.
How does the Reading, PA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Reading, PA is $28,640, which is approximately $2,490 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Reading, PA?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Fast Food in Reading, PA is 0.56, indicating that the job concentration is less than half of the national average.
How many Fast Food Cooks are there in Reading, PA?
There are approximately 410 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Reading, PA, representing about 2.41 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Does the cost of living affect the salary for Fast Food Cooks in Reading, PA?
The cost of living in Reading, PA is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the lower-than-average salary of $28,640 directly impacts the real value of earnings compared to national standards.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 2.41 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 Reading, PA