Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Rochester, NY
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Rochester, NY, earn an average annual salary of $33,440. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially higher operational costs in Rochester contribute to this elevated compensation. The specific economic landscape of Rochester, NY, plays a crucial role in shaping the earning potential for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,360.
- Outlook: Rochester, NY, hosts a local workforce of 1,810 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of 3.681 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for fast-food cooks within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Rochester, NY earns+7.4%above the national average.
$16.1
$643
$2,787
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Rochester, NY, has experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, rising minimum wages, and increased demand for convenient dining options likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these professionals.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Rochester, NY
The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Rochester, NY, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect a clear career progression path, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility within fast-food operations.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,080 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,800 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,360 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,440 in Rochester, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by a fast-food cook in Rochester has the same purchasing power as the national average salary across the country. Therefore, relocating to Rochester for this role offers no immediate cost-of-living advantage or disadvantage compared to the national median.
Job Market Context
1,810
Total Jobs
3.681
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Rochester, NY has 0.85x 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 0.85, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Rochester, NY, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the field is not exceptionally competitive, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (3.681) further indicates a steady presence of these roles within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,640↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Syracuse, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,960↑ 2% | 75 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,110↓ 1% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rochester, NY
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Rochester, NY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Rochester, NY is $33,440. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $35,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rochester, NY is 7.4% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Rochester, NY a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Moderately. The salary is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par.Cooks, Fast Food in Rochester, NY, earn an average of $33,440 annually, which is higher than the national average. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased salary does not translate to greater purchasing power.
Is Rochester, NY a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Rochester, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rochester, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY ($33,640) and Syracuse, NY.
How does the Rochester, NY salary for Fast Food Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Rochester, NY, is $33,440, which is approximately 7.4% higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Rochester, NY?
Rochester, NY has a Location Quotient of 0.85 for Cooks, Fast Food, indicating that the proportion of these jobs in the local workforce is slightly lower than the national average.
Does the cost of living in Rochester, NY affect the value of a Fast Food Cook's salary?
No, the cost of living in Rochester, NY, is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $33,440 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Fast Food Cooks are there in Rochester, NY?
There are approximately 1,810 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in Rochester, NY.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,810 employees in the Rochester, NY area with a job density of 3.681 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 Rochester, NY