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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Salem, OR

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Salem, Oregon, earn an average annual salary of $33,890. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation for these roles within the city. The economic landscape of Salem likely influences this pay differential, making it a point of interest for those in the fast-food service industry.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,890 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,010.
  • Outlook: Salem, OR, supports a local workforce of 420 Cooks, Fast Food. While the Location Quotient of 0.52 indicates a lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of 2.275 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally dense, demand for these professionals. This indicates a consistent need for fast-food cooks within the Salem job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,890

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Salem, OR earns+8.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.3

Weekly

$652

Monthly

$2,824

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Salem, OR

Within the fast-food cook profession in Salem, experience significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher wages. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career progression, with senior cooks earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,880$14.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,418$12.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,420$15.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,363$20.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,010$21.2

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,890

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,890

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $33,890 for Cooks, Fast Food in Salem, OR, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Salem is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while wages are higher than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable.

Job Market Context

420

Total Jobs

2.275

Per 1K Jobs

0.52

Location Quotient

Below Average

Salem, OR has 0.52x 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 0.52, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Salem, OR, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand for these roles, the competition might be less intense compared to areas with a higher concentration of fast-food establishments. This could present opportunities for job seekers looking for employment in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Corvallis, OR Cooks, Fast Food Salary$34,760↑ 3%27 mi
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$42,720↑ 26%44 mi
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary$33,590↓ 1%53 mi
Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary$35,230↑ 4%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Salem, OR

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Salem, OR is $33,890. This typically ranges from $30,880 for entry-level positions to $44,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 8.9% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, with a caveat.Cooks, Fast Food in Salem, OR earn above the national average salary. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased wage does not translate to significantly greater purchasing power.

Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Corvallis, OR ($34,760) and Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA.

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

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Salem, OR is $33,890, which is higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the cost of living in Salem, OR for fast-food cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

Is there high demand for fast-food cooks in Salem, OR?

There are 2.275 jobs per 1,000 workers in Salem, OR, indicating a steady demand for fast-food cooks, though the concentration (Location Quotient) is below the national average.

How many fast-food cooks are there in Salem, OR?

Salem, OR has a local workforce of 420 Cooks, Fast Food.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 2.275 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 Salem, OR